British medical bulletin
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Crowdfunding and crowdsourcing of medical research has emerged as a novel paradigm for many biomedical disciplines to rapidly collect, process and interpret data from high-throughput and high-dimensional experiments. The novelty and promise of these approaches have led to fundamental discoveries about RNA mechanisms, microbiome dynamics and even patient interpretation of test results. However, these methods require robust training protocols, uniform sampling methods and experimental rigor in order to be useful for subsequent research efforts. Executed correctly, crowdfunding and crowdsourcing can leverage public resources and engagement to generate support for scientific endeavors that would otherwise be impossible due to funding constraints and or the large number of participants needed for data collection. ⋯ Crowdsourced viral and metagenomic studies are the next step in elucidating the genomic and epigenomic characterization of urban population health.
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At the 10th year anniversary of the first face transplantation, there are currently 36 patients worldwide, who are the recipients of faces coming from human donors. ⋯ Based on over 20 years of research experience in the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation, and clinical experience as a leading surgeon of the US first face transplantation, this review will summarize the well-known facts as well as unexpected outcomes and challenges of face transplantation.
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Prostate cancer (PrCa) is the commonest non-cutaneous cancer in men in the UK. Epidemiological evidence as well as twin studies points towards a genetic component contributing to aetiology. ⋯ Incorporating genetics into PrCa screening is being investigated currently using both common SNP profiles and higher risk rare variants. Knowledge of germline genetic defects will allow the development of targeted screening programs, preventive strategies and the personalized treatment of PrCa.
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Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue affecting over half of women aged over 50. With an aging population, its importance is set to increase further over time. Prevention of fragility fractures avoids significant mortality and morbidity as well as saving significant direct and indirect costs to the economy. In this review, we discuss existing treatments to contextualize the treatment landscape, and demonstrate how our understanding of bone pathophysiology has led to novel therapies-in the form of combinations and altered durations of existing treatments, as well as newer drug therapies. ⋯ As alluded to above, data are urgently required regarding the optimal duration of therapy; use of combination therapy; ordering of therapies for best therapeutic effect. As stratified medicine becomes more strongly considered in all areas of therapy, its merits in osteoporosis as in other musculoskeletal conditions, is timely and valuable.
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the developed world and is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the UK and USA. Regular use of aspirin can reduce cancer incidence, recurrence, metastasis and cancer-related mortality. ⋯ Understanding is growing of the possible mechanisms by which aspirin exerts its anticancer effects. Large-scale meta-analyses are quantifying the cost-benefit ratio in the general population. International trials are underway to assess the optimal dose in high-risk individuals and the role of aspirin as an adjuvant in those who present with a malignancy.