Yeovil District Hospital is a healthcare facility in Yeovil, Somerset, England. It is managed by Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Infants are vulnerable to meningococcal disease. In this open-label phase III study (NCT03632720; registered 13/8/2018), infants were randomised to quadrivalent ACWY conjugated vaccine, MenACYW-TT, at 3 and 12-13 months and four-component meningococcus group B vaccine (4CMenB) at 2, 4, and 12-13 months (Group 1), MenACYW-TT at 3 and 12-13 months and 4CMenB at 2 and 4 months (Group 2), or 4CMenB at 2, 4, and 12-13 months (Group 3). Routine vaccines were also administered per UK schedule. Primary outcome of non-inferiority of seroprotection rates against the four capsular groups (A, C, W, and Y) in Group 1 versus Group 2 at day 30 after the second vaccine dose was demonstrated with seroprotection rates ≥99% against all capsular groups in both groups. In Group 3, cross-reactivity was observed, with hSBA titres against capsular groups A and C increasing >10-fold after the third 4CMenB dose. Reactogenicity was consistent with the known profiles of both vaccines; one case of anaphylaxis related to MenACYW-TT was reported and resolved without sequelae. No new safety concerns were identified.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming health care through improvements in diagnosis, predictive analytics, and workflow optimization. However, there remains a significant gap in AI training within UK medical education, leaving future clinicians underprepared for AI-driven health care environments. This viewpoint paper investigated global best practices for AI integration into medical education and proposes a structured framework for embedding AI into the UK medical curriculum. It aimed to assess current attitudes, highlight existing knowledge gaps, and recommend practical implementation strategies. An analysis of international case studies (eg, Stanford University, the University of Toronto, and Chinese University of Hong Kong) was conducted alongside a review of teaching methodologies, stakeholder perspectives, and UK-based surveys to identify core competencies and challenges in AI education. Effective integration strategies include the use of AI-powered simulations, interdisciplinary collaboration, elective modules, and faculty training. Major barriers include lack of AI-literate educators, insufficient ethical training, and limited infrastructure. Knowledge gaps persist among students and faculty in areas such as algorithmic bias, AI ethics, and clinical decision-making. To meet the demands of modern health care, the UK medical curriculum must adopt comprehensive AI training. This includes practical exposure, ethical awareness, and stakeholder engagement. Proactive reform will ensure that graduates are equipped to critically and ethically apply AI tools in clinical practice.
BACKGROUND:Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a high-throughput, resource-intensive specialty with a substantial environmental impact. As healthcare systems move toward sustainability, the concept of "green endoscopy" (GE) has gained traction. However, the perceptions and engagement of the endoscopy workforce remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE:This systematic review aimed to evaluate awareness, attitudes, and perceived barriers among healthcare professionals regarding sustainability in endoscopy and to synthesize existing knowledge on workforce engagement with GE practices. METHODS:A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to April 1, 2025, supplemented by gray literature. Included studies reported original data on healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, or practices related to sustainable endoscopy. Due to heterogeneity, a synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) approach was used. RESULTS:Five cross-sectional studies involving 1684 participants across various regions were included. Awareness of GE ranged from 16.3% to 67%. While most respondents acknowledged the environmental burden of endoscopy, fewer reported institutional guidelines or training. Key barriers included lack of knowledge (35%), absence of institutional policy (32%), infection control concerns (41%), and financial constraints (26%). Few departments conducted audits or offered sustainability education. A generational divide was noted, with senior staff expressing greater environmental concern. CONCLUSION:Although global interest in sustainable endoscopy is rising, a significant gap exists between awareness and practice. Structured education, clear institutional policies, and support from professional bodies are essential to embed sustainability within endoscopy services.
Background:Abuse of topical corticosteroids is an emerging problem. The irrational and nonjudicious use of steroids can cause disastrous cutaneous and systemic adverse effects. Objectives:To study the clinical and epidemiological profile of topical steroid abuse. Methods:A total of 124 patients who were misusing topical steroids were included in this hospital-based observational study. Details of the patients, indications of topical corticosteroid use and adverse cutaneous effects were recorded in a proforma and analysed. Results:The majority of patients (n = 52; 41.9%) were aged between 21 and 30 years. A female predominance (n = 75; 60.5%) was recorded. Students formed the largest subgroup of the study population. The major indication for topical steroid abuse was dermatophytic infection (n = 52; 41.9%). The face was the most common site of topical steroid application (n = 68; 54.8%). Ultrapotent steroids were commonly used (n = 55; 44.4%). The majority of patients applied topical steroid once daily (n = 91; 73.4%). Topical steroid use was predominantly advised by a pharmacy (n = 70; 56.5%). Erythema was the common adverse effect observed (n = 59; 47.6%). Conclusions:This study highlights the pattern and epidemiological profile of topical corticosteroid misuse. Thus, policymakers should raise awareness of this issue and introduce laws for regulation.
