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This retrospective observational study used a Kaupapa Māori framework to investigate ED admissions into 18/20 District Health Boards in Aotearoa New Zealand (2006–2012). Despite some ED process measures being positive for Māori, for example arrival to assessment time and access block, others showed no difference, for example self-discharge. Despite this, Māori mortality and ED re-presentation were higher than non-Māori. Our findings reinforce the need to investigate health professional bias and institutional racism within an acute care context.

Telemedicine consultations can be a cost effective and convenient method of communication particularly with patients living in remote areas. Given the dearth of patient reported satisfaction data with this form of consultation in Radiation Oncology, we surveyed patients to assess this in our department.

Gross platelet deficiency marks idiopathic thrombocytopenia's pathophysiology: normalization of the regulatory T cells (Tregs) through demethylation may well reverse the abnormal DNA methylation. Despite thrombopoietic receptor agonists’ recognized effectiveness, strongly demethylating (yet safe and affordable) ascorbate (e.g. with a plasma level of >1 mM several hours/week) could prevent their undesirable “rebound phenomenon” upon routine discontinuation, especially if abruptly mandated by refusal/adverse effects. [In Figure 1, star-shaped objects are platelets; Y-shaped objects are autoantibodies; in Figure 2, pro-inflammatory T helper 17 (Th17) cells are characterized by RORγt: a transcription factor (encoded by the gene Rorc) of the retinoic acid-receptor (RAR)-related orphan receptor (ROR) family. In ITP, Tregs expressing forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) are crucial for controlling ITP: in Figure 3, TET: ten-eleven translocation enzymes; 5mC; 5hmc: 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (the initiating step of active DNA demethylation. A cofactor fostering this process is vitamin C which acts synergistically with retinoic acid (RA)].

Inspired by the metastasis-seeding potential of VTT in ccRCC, we identified for the first time that pathological grading of VTT could serve as an unheeded prognostic factor. By incorporating VTT grading, TT-GPS score was constructed, displaying superior discriminatory ability for risk stratification in nonmetastatic ccRCC patients with VTT. This study highlights the significance of introducing VTT grading or TT-GPS score into routine pathological reports to improve the efficacy of risk assessment.

A large majority of clinical trials demonstrate the promising results of the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) to the existing treatment strategy for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Therefore, this article aims to discuss the results of these trials and to highlight the changes and future of ESCC treatment.