Medical Journal Abstracts

Family Medicine

Diagnostic value of serum brain natriuretic peptide in syncope in children and adolescents

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in syncope in children and adolescents. Methods: Serum BNP concentration was measured by electrochemiluminescence assay in 62 consecutive children and adolescents hospitalized for syncope. Results: Of the 62 children and...

Internal Medicine

Diagnostic value of serum brain natriuretic peptide in syncope in children and adolescents

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in syncope in children and adolescents. Methods: Serum BNP concentration was measured by electrochemiluminescence assay in 62 consecutive children and adolescents hospitalized for syncope. Results: Of the 62 children and...

Paediatrics

Diagnostic value of serum brain natriuretic peptide in syncope in children and adolescents

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in syncope in children and adolescents. Methods: Serum BNP concentration was measured by electrochemiluminescence assay in 62 consecutive children and adolescents hospitalized for syncope. Results: Of the 62 children and...

Diabetes and Endocrinology

Prospective antibody case finding of coeliac disease in type-1 diabetes children: need of biopsy revisited

Aim: To evaluate whether coeliac disease (CD) can be diagnosed by measuring autoantibodies without small-intestinal mucosal biopsies in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Case finding of CD was undertaken in 181 consecutive IgA-competent children with type 1 diabetes using transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and endomysial...

Family Medicine

Early colour Doppler duct diameter and symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor naïve population

Aims: To examine the relationship between early duct diameter and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) symptoms. Methods: A retrospective study of infants <29 weeks of gestation with early colour Doppler assessment of PDA diameter, in whom PDA was managed conservatively, without cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (COI) treatment....

Family Medicine

Have the boundaries of the ‘grey zone’ of perinatal resuscitation changed for extremely preterm infants over 20 years?

Aim: To determine the boundaries of the grey zone of discretionary resuscitation over the past 20 years. Background: As the likelihood of survival improves over time, the BW- and GA-specific boundaries of discretionary nonresuscitation should fall. Hypothesis: Between 1988 and 2008 reductions in BW- and GA-specific...

Family Medicine

Impact of nursing care on temperature environment in preterm newborns nursed in closed convective incubators

Aims: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates require regular nursing procedures with frequent opening of the incubator resulting in a decrease in incubator air temperature. This study was designed to assess changes in the thermal status of VLBW neonates according to the type of nursing care and incubator openings....

Family Medicine

Prospective antibody case finding of coeliac disease in type-1 diabetes children: need of biopsy revisited

Aim: To evaluate whether coeliac disease (CD) can be diagnosed by measuring autoantibodies without small-intestinal mucosal biopsies in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Case finding of CD was undertaken in 181 consecutive IgA-competent children with type 1 diabetes using transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and endomysial...

Gastroenterology

Prospective antibody case finding of coeliac disease in type-1 diabetes children: need of biopsy revisited

Aim: To evaluate whether coeliac disease (CD) can be diagnosed by measuring autoantibodies without small-intestinal mucosal biopsies in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Case finding of CD was undertaken in 181 consecutive IgA-competent children with type 1 diabetes using transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and endomysial...

Internal Medicine

Early colour Doppler duct diameter and symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor naïve population

Aims: To examine the relationship between early duct diameter and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) symptoms. Methods: A retrospective study of infants <29 weeks of gestation with early colour Doppler assessment of PDA diameter, in whom PDA was managed conservatively, without cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (COI) treatment....

Internal Medicine

Have the boundaries of the ‘grey zone’ of perinatal resuscitation changed for extremely preterm infants over 20 years?

Aim: To determine the boundaries of the grey zone of discretionary resuscitation over the past 20 years. Background: As the likelihood of survival improves over time, the BW- and GA-specific boundaries of discretionary nonresuscitation should fall. Hypothesis: Between 1988 and 2008 reductions in BW- and GA-specific...

Internal Medicine

Impact of nursing care on temperature environment in preterm newborns nursed in closed convective incubators

Aims: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates require regular nursing procedures with frequent opening of the incubator resulting in a decrease in incubator air temperature. This study was designed to assess changes in the thermal status of VLBW neonates according to the type of nursing care and incubator openings....

Internal Medicine

Prospective antibody case finding of coeliac disease in type-1 diabetes children: need of biopsy revisited

Aim: To evaluate whether coeliac disease (CD) can be diagnosed by measuring autoantibodies without small-intestinal mucosal biopsies in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Case finding of CD was undertaken in 181 consecutive IgA-competent children with type 1 diabetes using transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and endomysial...

Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

Have the boundaries of the ‘grey zone’ of perinatal resuscitation changed for extremely preterm infants over 20 years?

Aim: To determine the boundaries of the grey zone of discretionary resuscitation over the past 20 years. Background: As the likelihood of survival improves over time, the BW- and GA-specific boundaries of discretionary nonresuscitation should fall. Hypothesis: Between 1988 and 2008 reductions in BW- and GA-specific...

Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

Early colour Doppler duct diameter and symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor naïve population

Aims: To examine the relationship between early duct diameter and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) symptoms. Methods: A retrospective study of infants <29 weeks of gestation with early colour Doppler assessment of PDA diameter, in whom PDA was managed conservatively, without cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (COI) treatment....

Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

Impact of nursing care on temperature environment in preterm newborns nursed in closed convective incubators

Aims: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates require regular nursing procedures with frequent opening of the incubator resulting in a decrease in incubator air temperature. This study was designed to assess changes in the thermal status of VLBW neonates according to the type of nursing care and incubator openings....

Paediatrics

Have the boundaries of the ‘grey zone’ of perinatal resuscitation changed for extremely preterm infants over 20 years?

Aim: To determine the boundaries of the grey zone of discretionary resuscitation over the past 20 years. Background: As the likelihood of survival improves over time, the BW- and GA-specific boundaries of discretionary nonresuscitation should fall. Hypothesis: Between 1988 and 2008 reductions in BW- and GA-specific...

Paediatrics

Early colour Doppler duct diameter and symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor naïve population

Aims: To examine the relationship between early duct diameter and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) symptoms. Methods: A retrospective study of infants <29 weeks of gestation with early colour Doppler assessment of PDA diameter, in whom PDA was managed conservatively, without cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (COI) treatment....

Paediatrics

Impact of nursing care on temperature environment in preterm newborns nursed in closed convective incubators

Aims: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates require regular nursing procedures with frequent opening of the incubator resulting in a decrease in incubator air temperature. This study was designed to assess changes in the thermal status of VLBW neonates according to the type of nursing care and incubator openings....

Paediatrics

Prospective antibody case finding of coeliac disease in type-1 diabetes children: need of biopsy revisited

Aim: To evaluate whether coeliac disease (CD) can be diagnosed by measuring autoantibodies without small-intestinal mucosal biopsies in children with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Case finding of CD was undertaken in 181 consecutive IgA-competent children with type 1 diabetes using transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and endomysial...

Family Medicine

Congenital cataract screening in maternity wards is effective: evaluation of the Paediatric Cataract Register of Sweden

Aim: To study which eye-screening protocol prevails in Swedish maternity/neonatal wards, evaluate efficacy in a prospective study and compare results with earlier Swedish retrospective results. Methods: Surveys were sent in 2006 to maternity/neonatal and women's health departments regarding screening policy. Response...

Internal Medicine

Congenital cataract screening in maternity wards is effective: evaluation of the Paediatric Cataract Register of Sweden

Aim: To study which eye-screening protocol prevails in Swedish maternity/neonatal wards, evaluate efficacy in a prospective study and compare results with earlier Swedish retrospective results. Methods: Surveys were sent in 2006 to maternity/neonatal and women's health departments regarding screening policy. Response...

Paediatrics

Congenital cataract screening in maternity wards is effective: evaluation of the Paediatric Cataract Register of Sweden

Aim: To study which eye-screening protocol prevails in Swedish maternity/neonatal wards, evaluate efficacy in a prospective study and compare results with earlier Swedish retrospective results. Methods: Surveys were sent in 2006 to maternity/neonatal and women's health departments regarding screening policy. Response...

Family Medicine

Fatty liver is a good indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis risk in obese children and adolescents regardless of liver enzyme elevation

Aim: To investigate the presence of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) in obese children and adolescents. Additionally, we wished to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes....

Family Medicine

Paediatric bone and joint infections are more common in boys and toddlers: a national epidemiology study

Aim: Little is known about bone and joint infections (BJIs) in children, despite the risk of growth disturbance. This study examined BJIs epidemiology using the French National Hospital Discharge Database (HD). Methods: Any child <15 years hospitalized with an HD diagnosis of BJI, alone or in combination with sepsis or...

Family Medicine

Shared physical custody after family split-up: implications for health and well-being in Swedish schoolchildren

Aim: In Sweden, shared physical custody following a parental separation has emerged as means for children to keep close relationships with both parents. Previous studies show that children benefit from regular contact with both parents, who share responsibility for their social, emotional and economic welfare. In this...

Hepatology

Fatty liver is a good indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis risk in obese children and adolescents regardless of liver enzyme elevation

Aim: To investigate the presence of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) in obese children and adolescents. Additionally, we wished to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes....

Infectious Diseases

Paediatric bone and joint infections are more common in boys and toddlers: a national epidemiology study

Aim: Little is known about bone and joint infections (BJIs) in children, despite the risk of growth disturbance. This study examined BJIs epidemiology using the French National Hospital Discharge Database (HD). Methods: Any child <15 years hospitalized with an HD diagnosis of BJI, alone or in combination with sepsis or...

Internal Medicine

Fatty liver is a good indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis risk in obese children and adolescents regardless of liver enzyme elevation

Aim: To investigate the presence of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) in obese children and adolescents. Additionally, we wished to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes....

Internal Medicine

Paediatric bone and joint infections are more common in boys and toddlers: a national epidemiology study

Aim: Little is known about bone and joint infections (BJIs) in children, despite the risk of growth disturbance. This study examined BJIs epidemiology using the French National Hospital Discharge Database (HD). Methods: Any child <15 years hospitalized with an HD diagnosis of BJI, alone or in combination with sepsis or...

Internal Medicine

Shared physical custody after family split-up: implications for health and well-being in Swedish schoolchildren

Aim: In Sweden, shared physical custody following a parental separation has emerged as means for children to keep close relationships with both parents. Previous studies show that children benefit from regular contact with both parents, who share responsibility for their social, emotional and economic welfare. In this...

Orthopaedics

Paediatric bone and joint infections are more common in boys and toddlers: a national epidemiology study

Aim: Little is known about bone and joint infections (BJIs) in children, despite the risk of growth disturbance. This study examined BJIs epidemiology using the French National Hospital Discharge Database (HD). Methods: Any child <15 years hospitalized with an HD diagnosis of BJI, alone or in combination with sepsis or...

Paediatrics

Shared physical custody after family split-up: implications for health and well-being in Swedish schoolchildren

Aim: In Sweden, shared physical custody following a parental separation has emerged as means for children to keep close relationships with both parents. Previous studies show that children benefit from regular contact with both parents, who share responsibility for their social, emotional and economic welfare. In this...

Paediatrics

Fatty liver is a good indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis risk in obese children and adolescents regardless of liver enzyme elevation

Aim: To investigate the presence of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) in obese children and adolescents. Additionally, we wished to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes....

Paediatrics

Paediatric bone and joint infections are more common in boys and toddlers: a national epidemiology study

Aim: Little is known about bone and joint infections (BJIs) in children, despite the risk of growth disturbance. This study examined BJIs epidemiology using the French National Hospital Discharge Database (HD). Methods: Any child <15 years hospitalized with an HD diagnosis of BJI, alone or in combination with sepsis or...

Family Medicine

Self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes in young adults born with less than 1000 g

Aim: To assess self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes of former extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants at young adulthood compared with community norms and to analyse predictors of poor outcome. Methods: Fifty-five ELBW adults, 18 men (33%), with median (range) gestational age of 28.7 (25.0–34.0)...

Internal Medicine

Self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes in young adults born with less than 1000 g

Aim: To assess self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes of former extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants at young adulthood compared with community norms and to analyse predictors of poor outcome. Methods: Fifty-five ELBW adults, 18 men (33%), with median (range) gestational age of 28.7 (25.0–34.0)...

Paediatrics

Self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes in young adults born with less than 1000 g

Aim: To assess self-perceived health status and mental health outcomes of former extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants at young adulthood compared with community norms and to analyse predictors of poor outcome. Methods: Fifty-five ELBW adults, 18 men (33%), with median (range) gestational age of 28.7 (25.0–34.0)...

Family Medicine

Evolution of overweight prevalence among 5–6-year-old children according to socio-economic status

Aim: To assess time trends in overweight and obesity prevalence among 5–6-year-old children of Bordeaux city (France) over seven school years from 2004–2005 to 2010–2011. Methods: For each year, all 5–6-year-old children from 63 of the 69 schools of Bordeaux were included: 2005, 2100, 2010, 1952, 2040, 2017 and 2111...

Family Medicine

Extremely low birthweight infants: how neonatal intensive care unit teams can reduce postnatal malnutrition and prevent growth retardation

Aim: To evaluate the impact of an improved nutritional policy for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants on nutritional deficits and postnatal growth. Method: We compared two groups of 37 ELBW infants, born before and after the introduction of an improved nutritional policy in April 2006. Group A (born 2005 to early...

Family Medicine

Hospital-wide breastfeeding rates vs. breastmilk provision for very-low-birth-weight infants

Aim: To investigate the relationship between breastmilk feeding in very-low-birth-weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and breastmilk feeding rates for all newborns by hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 111 California hospitals in 2007 and 2008. Correlation coefficients were calculated...

Family Medicine

Is there any correlation between HLA-DR expression in laryngeal mucosa and interleukin gene variation in sudden infant death syndrome?

Aim: The mucosal immune system and cytokines are activated in a large proportion of cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Our aim was to search for a possible association between cytokine polymorphisms and immune stimulation of the laryngeal mucosal in SIDS. Methods: HLA-DR expression in laryngeal mucosal...

Family Medicine

Physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions: a study of predictors

Aim: This study examines possible predictors of physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions. Condition-related variables and psychosocial variables were studied, and their relative contribution as predictors was examined. Methods: The study population was one hundred and twelve...

Family Medicine

Preterm birth and unintentional injuries: risks to children, adolescents and young adults show no consistent pattern

Aim: Preterm birth is associated with a number of physical and mental health issues. The aim of this study was to find out whether there was also any association between individuals born preterm in Sweden between 1984 and 2006 and the risk of unintentional injuries during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood....

Family Medicine

Self-rated and parent-rated quality of life (QoL) for community-based obese and overweight children

Aims: To determine the effects of being obese or overweight on quality of life (QoL) of children from a community-based sample and to compare their self-ratings of QoL with their parents' ratings for their children's QoL. Methods: Dyads of 8- to 12-year-old children [60 obese, 34 overweight and 127 normal weight (N =...

Internal Medicine

Evolution of overweight prevalence among 5–6-year-old children according to socio-economic status

Aim: To assess time trends in overweight and obesity prevalence among 5–6-year-old children of Bordeaux city (France) over seven school years from 2004–2005 to 2010–2011. Methods: For each year, all 5–6-year-old children from 63 of the 69 schools of Bordeaux were included: 2005, 2100, 2010, 1952, 2040, 2017 and 2111...

Internal Medicine

Extremely low birthweight infants: how neonatal intensive care unit teams can reduce postnatal malnutrition and prevent growth retardation

Aim: To evaluate the impact of an improved nutritional policy for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants on nutritional deficits and postnatal growth. Method: We compared two groups of 37 ELBW infants, born before and after the introduction of an improved nutritional policy in April 2006. Group A (born 2005 to early...

Internal Medicine

Hospital-wide breastfeeding rates vs. breastmilk provision for very-low-birth-weight infants

Aim: To investigate the relationship between breastmilk feeding in very-low-birth-weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and breastmilk feeding rates for all newborns by hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 111 California hospitals in 2007 and 2008. Correlation coefficients were calculated...

Internal Medicine

Is there any correlation between HLA-DR expression in laryngeal mucosa and interleukin gene variation in sudden infant death syndrome?

Aim: The mucosal immune system and cytokines are activated in a large proportion of cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Our aim was to search for a possible association between cytokine polymorphisms and immune stimulation of the laryngeal mucosal in SIDS. Methods: HLA-DR expression in laryngeal mucosal...

Internal Medicine

Physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions: a study of predictors

Aim: This study examines possible predictors of physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions. Condition-related variables and psychosocial variables were studied, and their relative contribution as predictors was examined. Methods: The study population was one hundred and twelve...

Internal Medicine

Preterm birth and unintentional injuries: risks to children, adolescents and young adults show no consistent pattern

Aim: Preterm birth is associated with a number of physical and mental health issues. The aim of this study was to find out whether there was also any association between individuals born preterm in Sweden between 1984 and 2006 and the risk of unintentional injuries during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood....

Internal Medicine

Self-rated and parent-rated quality of life (QoL) for community-based obese and overweight children

Aims: To determine the effects of being obese or overweight on quality of life (QoL) of children from a community-based sample and to compare their self-ratings of QoL with their parents' ratings for their children's QoL. Methods: Dyads of 8- to 12-year-old children [60 obese, 34 overweight and 127 normal weight (N =...

Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

Extremely low birthweight infants: how neonatal intensive care unit teams can reduce postnatal malnutrition and prevent growth retardation

Aim: To evaluate the impact of an improved nutritional policy for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants on nutritional deficits and postnatal growth. Method: We compared two groups of 37 ELBW infants, born before and after the introduction of an improved nutritional policy in April 2006. Group A (born 2005 to early...

Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

Hospital-wide breastfeeding rates vs. breastmilk provision for very-low-birth-weight infants

Aim: To investigate the relationship between breastmilk feeding in very-low-birth-weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and breastmilk feeding rates for all newborns by hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 111 California hospitals in 2007 and 2008. Correlation coefficients were calculated...

Orthopaedics

Physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions: a study of predictors

Aim: This study examines possible predictors of physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions. Condition-related variables and psychosocial variables were studied, and their relative contribution as predictors was examined. Methods: The study population was one hundred and twelve...

Paediatrics

Extremely low birthweight infants: how neonatal intensive care unit teams can reduce postnatal malnutrition and prevent growth retardation

Aim: To evaluate the impact of an improved nutritional policy for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants on nutritional deficits and postnatal growth. Method: We compared two groups of 37 ELBW infants, born before and after the introduction of an improved nutritional policy in April 2006. Group A (born 2005 to early...

Paediatrics

Hospital-wide breastfeeding rates vs. breastmilk provision for very-low-birth-weight infants

Aim: To investigate the relationship between breastmilk feeding in very-low-birth-weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and breastmilk feeding rates for all newborns by hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 111 California hospitals in 2007 and 2008. Correlation coefficients were calculated...

Paediatrics

Evolution of overweight prevalence among 5–6-year-old children according to socio-economic status

Aim: To assess time trends in overweight and obesity prevalence among 5–6-year-old children of Bordeaux city (France) over seven school years from 2004–2005 to 2010–2011. Methods: For each year, all 5–6-year-old children from 63 of the 69 schools of Bordeaux were included: 2005, 2100, 2010, 1952, 2040, 2017 and 2111...

Paediatrics

Preterm birth and unintentional injuries: risks to children, adolescents and young adults show no consistent pattern

Aim: Preterm birth is associated with a number of physical and mental health issues. The aim of this study was to find out whether there was also any association between individuals born preterm in Sweden between 1984 and 2006 and the risk of unintentional injuries during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood....

Paediatrics

Is there any correlation between HLA-DR expression in laryngeal mucosa and interleukin gene variation in sudden infant death syndrome?

Aim: The mucosal immune system and cytokines are activated in a large proportion of cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Our aim was to search for a possible association between cytokine polymorphisms and immune stimulation of the laryngeal mucosal in SIDS. Methods: HLA-DR expression in laryngeal mucosal...

Paediatrics

Self-rated and parent-rated quality of life (QoL) for community-based obese and overweight children

Aims: To determine the effects of being obese or overweight on quality of life (QoL) of children from a community-based sample and to compare their self-ratings of QoL with their parents' ratings for their children's QoL. Methods: Dyads of 8- to 12-year-old children [60 obese, 34 overweight and 127 normal weight (N =...

Paediatrics

Physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions: a study of predictors

Aim: This study examines possible predictors of physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions. Condition-related variables and psychosocial variables were studied, and their relative contribution as predictors was examined. Methods: The study population was one hundred and twelve...

Rheumatology

Physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions: a study of predictors

Aim: This study examines possible predictors of physical and social functioning in adolescents with rheumatological conditions. Condition-related variables and psychosocial variables were studied, and their relative contribution as predictors was examined. Methods: The study population was one hundred and twelve...

Family Medicine

Neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm children

Aim: To examine neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm (gestational age ≤30 weeks) children aged 4.0–12.0 years. Methods: Two-hundred very preterm (mean age 8.2 ± 2.5 years) children without severe disabilities, born between 1996 and 2004, were assessed with measures of executive...

Internal Medicine

Neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm children

Aim: To examine neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm (gestational age ≤30 weeks) children aged 4.0–12.0 years. Methods: Two-hundred very preterm (mean age 8.2 ± 2.5 years) children without severe disabilities, born between 1996 and 2004, were assessed with measures of executive...

Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

Neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm children

Aim: To examine neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm (gestational age ≤30 weeks) children aged 4.0–12.0 years. Methods: Two-hundred very preterm (mean age 8.2 ± 2.5 years) children without severe disabilities, born between 1996 and 2004, were assessed with measures of executive...

Paediatrics

Neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm children

Aim: To examine neonatal and parental predictors of executive function in very preterm (gestational age ≤30 weeks) children aged 4.0–12.0 years. Methods: Two-hundred very preterm (mean age 8.2 ± 2.5 years) children without severe disabilities, born between 1996 and 2004, were assessed with measures of executive...

Family Medicine

Secular trends in weight, height and BMI in young Swedes: The ‘Grow up Gothenburg’ Studies

Aim: This study aims to document secular differences in anthropometry (level and variability of weight, height, BMI) in two cohorts born around 1990 and 1974 and examined as young adults. Methods: Descriptive results are presented for the complete cohorts. The final analysis age-matched the cohorts (mean, 18.8 years)...

Internal Medicine

Secular trends in weight, height and BMI in young Swedes: The ‘Grow up Gothenburg’ Studies

Aim: This study aims to document secular differences in anthropometry (level and variability of weight, height, BMI) in two cohorts born around 1990 and 1974 and examined as young adults. Methods: Descriptive results are presented for the complete cohorts. The final analysis age-matched the cohorts (mean, 18.8 years)...

Paediatrics

Secular trends in weight, height and BMI in young Swedes: The ‘Grow up Gothenburg’ Studies

Aim: This study aims to document secular differences in anthropometry (level and variability of weight, height, BMI) in two cohorts born around 1990 and 1974 and examined as young adults. Methods: Descriptive results are presented for the complete cohorts. The final analysis age-matched the cohorts (mean, 18.8 years)...

Family Medicine

Follow-up study of 2-year-olds born at very low gestational age in Estonia

Aim: To study very low gestational age (VLGA, <32 weeks) infants at 2 years of age and to identify the predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods: A population-based cohort of 155 surviving VLGA infants born in Estonia in 2007 was followed up and compared with a matched full-term (FT) control group. A logistic regression...

Family Medicine

Use of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen in neonates: a UK wide survey

Aim: Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) oxygen is a relatively new form of respiratory support and is increasing in popularity despite lack of supportive evidence and amid safety concerns. We investigated the prevalence of its use in tertiary neonatal units in the UK. Method: Electronic survey. Results:...

Internal Medicine

Follow-up study of 2-year-olds born at very low gestational age in Estonia

Aim: To study very low gestational age (VLGA, <32 weeks) infants at 2 years of age and to identify the predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods: A population-based cohort of 155 surviving VLGA infants born in Estonia in 2007 was followed up and compared with a matched full-term (FT) control group. A logistic regression...

Internal Medicine

Use of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen in neonates: a UK wide survey

Aim: Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) oxygen is a relatively new form of respiratory support and is increasing in popularity despite lack of supportive evidence and amid safety concerns. We investigated the prevalence of its use in tertiary neonatal units in the UK. Method: Electronic survey. Results:...

Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine

Use of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen in neonates: a UK wide survey

Aim: Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) oxygen is a relatively new form of respiratory support and is increasing in popularity despite lack of supportive evidence and amid safety concerns. We investigated the prevalence of its use in tertiary neonatal units in the UK. Method: Electronic survey. Results:...

Paediatrics

Use of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen in neonates: a UK wide survey

Aim: Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) oxygen is a relatively new form of respiratory support and is increasing in popularity despite lack of supportive evidence and amid safety concerns. We investigated the prevalence of its use in tertiary neonatal units in the UK. Method: Electronic survey. Results:...

Paediatrics

Follow-up study of 2-year-olds born at very low gestational age in Estonia

Aim: To study very low gestational age (VLGA, <32 weeks) infants at 2 years of age and to identify the predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods: A population-based cohort of 155 surviving VLGA infants born in Estonia in 2007 was followed up and compared with a matched full-term (FT) control group. A logistic regression...

Family Medicine

Decline in incidence of HIV and Hepatitis C virus infection among injecting drug users in Amsterdam; evidence for harm reduction?

Aims: In Amsterdam HIV prevalence has nearly halved among Injecting Drug Users (IDU) since 1990. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) prevalence also declined, HIV and HCV incidence dropped to nearly zero. We examined possible explanations for these time trends, among which the implementation of harm reduction measures aimed at...

Family Medicine

Global alcohol exposure estimates by country, territory and region for 2005 – a contribution to the Comparative Risk Assessment for the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study

Aims: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of lifetime abstainers, former drinkers and current drinkers, adult per capita consumption of alcohol, and pattern of drinking scores, by country and Global Burden of Disease region for 2005, and to forecast these indicators for 2010. Design: Statistical modelling based...

Internal Medicine

Decline in incidence of HIV and Hepatitis C virus infection among injecting drug users in Amsterdam; evidence for harm reduction?

Aims: In Amsterdam HIV prevalence has nearly halved among Injecting Drug Users (IDU) since 1990. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) prevalence also declined, HIV and HCV incidence dropped to nearly zero. We examined possible explanations for these time trends, among which the implementation of harm reduction measures aimed at...

Internal Medicine

Global alcohol exposure estimates by country, territory and region for 2005 – a contribution to the Comparative Risk Assessment for the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study

Aims: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of lifetime abstainers, former drinkers and current drinkers, adult per capita consumption of alcohol, and pattern of drinking scores, by country and Global Burden of Disease region for 2005, and to forecast these indicators for 2010. Design: Statistical modelling based...

Psychiatry/Mental Health

Decline in incidence of HIV and Hepatitis C virus infection among injecting drug users in Amsterdam; evidence for harm reduction?

Aims: In Amsterdam HIV prevalence has nearly halved among Injecting Drug Users (IDU) since 1990. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) prevalence also declined, HIV and HCV incidence dropped to nearly zero. We examined possible explanations for these time trends, among which the implementation of harm reduction measures aimed at...

Psychiatry/Mental Health

Global alcohol exposure estimates by country, territory and region for 2005 – a contribution to the Comparative Risk Assessment for the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study

Aims: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of lifetime abstainers, former drinkers and current drinkers, adult per capita consumption of alcohol, and pattern of drinking scores, by country and Global Burden of Disease region for 2005, and to forecast these indicators for 2010. Design: Statistical modelling based...

Family Medicine

Extended release methylphenidate for treatment of amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

Aims: To assess the efficacy of methylphenidate as a substitution therapy for amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence in Finland and New Zealand. Design: parallel group, double-blind, randomised placebo controlled trial. Setting: outpatient care. Participants: amphetamine/methamphetamine dependent, aged 16-65....

Internal Medicine

Extended release methylphenidate for treatment of amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

Aims: To assess the efficacy of methylphenidate as a substitution therapy for amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence in Finland and New Zealand. Design: parallel group, double-blind, randomised placebo controlled trial. Setting: outpatient care. Participants: amphetamine/methamphetamine dependent, aged 16-65....

Psychiatry/Mental Health

Extended release methylphenidate for treatment of amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

Aims: To assess the efficacy of methylphenidate as a substitution therapy for amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence in Finland and New Zealand. Design: parallel group, double-blind, randomised placebo controlled trial. Setting: outpatient care. Participants: amphetamine/methamphetamine dependent, aged 16-65....

Preventive Medicine

Incorporation of Innate Immune Effector Mechanisms in the Formulation of a Vaccine Against HIV-1

The realization of a major role for events that occur during acute viremia that dictate the course of disease both in HIV-1 infected humans and susceptible SIV infected non-human primates has prompted an intense interest in studies of the contribution of innate immune effector mechanisms. It is reasoned that findings...

Family Medicine

Incorporation of Innate Immune Effector Mechanisms in the Formulation of a Vaccine Against HIV-1

The realization of a major role for events that occur during acute viremia that dictate the course of disease both in HIV-1 infected humans and susceptible SIV infected non-human primates has prompted an intense interest in studies of the contribution of innate immune effector mechanisms. It is reasoned that findings...

HIV/AIDS

Incorporation of Innate Immune Effector Mechanisms in the Formulation of a Vaccine Against HIV-1

The realization of a major role for events that occur during acute viremia that dictate the course of disease both in HIV-1 infected humans and susceptible SIV infected non-human primates has prompted an intense interest in studies of the contribution of innate immune effector mechanisms. It is reasoned that findings...

Internal Medicine

Incorporation of Innate Immune Effector Mechanisms in the Formulation of a Vaccine Against HIV-1

The realization of a major role for events that occur during acute viremia that dictate the course of disease both in HIV-1 infected humans and susceptible SIV infected non-human primates has prompted an intense interest in studies of the contribution of innate immune effector mechanisms. It is reasoned that findings...

Family Medicine

Circulating and disseminated tumor cells in the management of advanced prostate cancer.

Management of prostate cancer is recognized as one of the most important medical problems. Latest findings concerning the role of circulating (CTC) and disseminated tumor cells (DTC) have provided new insights into the biology of metastasis with important implications for the clinical management of prostate cancer...

Internal Medicine

Circulating and disseminated tumor cells in the management of advanced prostate cancer.

Management of prostate cancer is recognized as one of the most important medical problems. Latest findings concerning the role of circulating (CTC) and disseminated tumor cells (DTC) have provided new insights into the biology of metastasis with important implications for the clinical management of prostate cancer...

Oncology

Circulating and disseminated tumor cells in the management of advanced prostate cancer.

Management of prostate cancer is recognized as one of the most important medical problems. Latest findings concerning the role of circulating (CTC) and disseminated tumor cells (DTC) have provided new insights into the biology of metastasis with important implications for the clinical management of prostate cancer...

Family Medicine

Radiographic Evaluation of Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection: Bottom-Up, Top-Down, or None of the Above?

The proper algorithm for the radiographic evaluation of children with febrile urinary tract infection (FUTI) is hotly debated. Three studies are commonly administered: renal-bladder ultrasound (RUS), voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) scan. However, the order in which these tests are...

Internal Medicine

Radiographic Evaluation of Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection: Bottom-Up, Top-Down, or None of the Above?

The proper algorithm for the radiographic evaluation of children with febrile urinary tract infection (FUTI) is hotly debated. Three studies are commonly administered: renal-bladder ultrasound (RUS), voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) scan. However, the order in which these tests are...

Paediatrics

Radiographic Evaluation of Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection: Bottom-Up, Top-Down, or None of the Above?

The proper algorithm for the radiographic evaluation of children with febrile urinary tract infection (FUTI) is hotly debated. Three studies are commonly administered: renal-bladder ultrasound (RUS), voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) scan. However, the order in which these tests are...

Family Medicine

The Efficacy and Safety of DepoFoam Bupivacaine in Patients Undergoing Bilateral, Cosmetic, Submuscular Augmentation Mammaplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Control Study

Background: Breast augmentation can result in significant postsurgical pain. Objectives: The authors evaluate the extent and duration of analgesia achieved with extended-release DepoFoam bupivacaine (Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Parsippany, New Jersey) in patients undergoing bilateral, cosmetic, submuscular...

Internal Medicine

The Efficacy and Safety of DepoFoam Bupivacaine in Patients Undergoing Bilateral, Cosmetic, Submuscular Augmentation Mammaplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Control Study

Background: Breast augmentation can result in significant postsurgical pain. Objectives: The authors evaluate the extent and duration of analgesia achieved with extended-release DepoFoam bupivacaine (Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Parsippany, New Jersey) in patients undergoing bilateral, cosmetic, submuscular...

Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine

The Efficacy and Safety of DepoFoam Bupivacaine in Patients Undergoing Bilateral, Cosmetic, Submuscular Augmentation Mammaplasty: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Control Study

Background: Breast augmentation can result in significant postsurgical pain. Objectives: The authors evaluate the extent and duration of analgesia achieved with extended-release DepoFoam bupivacaine (Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Parsippany, New Jersey) in patients undergoing bilateral, cosmetic, submuscular...

Family Medicine

Impact of the Current Economy on Facial Aesthetic Surgery

Background: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) survey data showed a 16.7% decrease in the total number of aesthetic surgical procedures from 2008 to 2009, whereas plastic surgeons have seen an increase of 0.6% in their nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Objective: The authors describe the results of...

Internal Medicine

Impact of the Current Economy on Facial Aesthetic Surgery

Background: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) survey data showed a 16.7% decrease in the total number of aesthetic surgical procedures from 2008 to 2009, whereas plastic surgeons have seen an increase of 0.6% in their nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Objective: The authors describe the results of...

Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine

Impact of the Current Economy on Facial Aesthetic Surgery

Background: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) survey data showed a 16.7% decrease in the total number of aesthetic surgical procedures from 2008 to 2009, whereas plastic surgeons have seen an increase of 0.6% in their nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Objective: The authors describe the results of...

Family Medicine

How the lifecycle hypothesis explains volunteering during retirement

We suggest two supplements to Franco Modigliani's lifecycle model in order to explain why people who have retired from paid work choose either to start volunteering or increase the amount of time they devote to volunteer work. First, total consumption consists of both the material and immaterial products of work. While...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

How the lifecycle hypothesis explains volunteering during retirement

We suggest two supplements to Franco Modigliani's lifecycle model in order to explain why people who have retired from paid work choose either to start volunteering or increase the amount of time they devote to volunteer work. First, total consumption consists of both the material and immaterial products of work. While...

Internal Medicine

How the lifecycle hypothesis explains volunteering during retirement

We suggest two supplements to Franco Modigliani's lifecycle model in order to explain why people who have retired from paid work choose either to start volunteering or increase the amount of time they devote to volunteer work. First, total consumption consists of both the material and immaterial products of work. While...

Family Medicine

Deviation of innate circadian period from 24 hours reduces longevity in mice

The variation of individual life spans, even in highly inbred cohorts of animals and under strictly controlled environmental conditions, is substantial and not well understood. This variation in part could be due to epigenetic variation, which later affects the animal’s physiology and ultimately longevity....

Family Medicine

High tryptophan diet reduces CA1 intraneuronal β-amyloid in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs mnesic functions. The histopathology of the disease is manifested by the accumulation of intracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) and subsequent formation of neuritic plaques as well as the presence neurofibrillary tangles in specific brain regions...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Deviation of innate circadian period from 24 hours reduces longevity in mice

The variation of individual life spans, even in highly inbred cohorts of animals and under strictly controlled environmental conditions, is substantial and not well understood. This variation in part could be due to epigenetic variation, which later affects the animal’s physiology and ultimately longevity....

Gerontology/Geriatrics

High tryptophan diet reduces CA1 intraneuronal β-amyloid in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs mnesic functions. The histopathology of the disease is manifested by the accumulation of intracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) and subsequent formation of neuritic plaques as well as the presence neurofibrillary tangles in specific brain regions...

Internal Medicine

Deviation of innate circadian period from 24 hours reduces longevity in mice

The variation of individual life spans, even in highly inbred cohorts of animals and under strictly controlled environmental conditions, is substantial and not well understood. This variation in part could be due to epigenetic variation, which later affects the animal’s physiology and ultimately longevity....

Internal Medicine

High tryptophan diet reduces CA1 intraneuronal β-amyloid in the triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs mnesic functions. The histopathology of the disease is manifested by the accumulation of intracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) and subsequent formation of neuritic plaques as well as the presence neurofibrillary tangles in specific brain regions...

Family Medicine

The Direct Medical Costs of Late Presentation (<350/mm) of HIV Infection over a 15-Year Period.

We describe the immediate- and longer-term direct medical costs of care for individuals diagnosed with HIV at CD4 counts <350/mm3 (“late presenters”). We collected and stratified by initial CD4 count all inpatient, outpatient, and drug costs for all newly diagnosed patients accessing HIV care within Southern Alberta...

Internal Medicine

The Direct Medical Costs of Late Presentation (<350/mm) of HIV Infection over a 15-Year Period.

We describe the immediate- and longer-term direct medical costs of care for individuals diagnosed with HIV at CD4 counts <350/mm3 (“late presenters”). We collected and stratified by initial CD4 count all inpatient, outpatient, and drug costs for all newly diagnosed patients accessing HIV care within Southern Alberta...

Sexual Health

The Direct Medical Costs of Late Presentation (<350/mm) of HIV Infection over a 15-Year Period.

We describe the immediate- and longer-term direct medical costs of care for individuals diagnosed with HIV at CD4 counts <350/mm3 (“late presenters”). We collected and stratified by initial CD4 count all inpatient, outpatient, and drug costs for all newly diagnosed patients accessing HIV care within Southern Alberta...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Characteristics of anaphylaxis-inducing IgG immune complexes triggering murine passive systemic anaphylaxis

Background: With the broad and increasing application of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical settings, IgG-induced allergic reactions, including passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), have attracted significant attention. However, it is not clear which types of IgG mAb–antigen complexes or IgG aggregates...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Topical treatment targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingosine lyase abrogates experimental allergic rhinitis in a murine model

Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays a crucial role in homeostasis of the immune system by regulating lymphocyte recirculation and inflammatory cell recruitment. The levels of S1P are tightly controlled through regulated production and controlled breakdown by sphingosine-lyase (SL). The S1P analogue FTY720...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Anti-allergic action of anti-malarial drug artesunate in experimental mast cell-mediated anaphylactic models

Background: Allergy is an acquired hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system mediated by cross-linking of allergen-specific IgE-bound high-affinity IgE receptors, leading to immediate mast cell degranulation. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, an active component of the medicinal plant...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Maternal and newborn vitamin D status and its impact on food allergy development in the German LINA cohort study

Background: Vitamin D levels are known to be associated with atopic disease development; however, existing data are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether corresponding maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels are associated with atopic outcomes in early infancy. Methods: Within the LINA cohort...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to allergens

The immune system is regulated to protect the host from exaggerated stimulatory signals establishing a state of tolerance in healthy individuals. The disequilibrium in immune regulatory vs effector mechanisms results in allergic or autoimmune disorders in genetically predisposed subjects under certain environmental...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment for allergic rhinitis. Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either the active acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist groups. The active...

Family Medicine

A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment for allergic rhinitis. Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either the active acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist groups. The active...

Family Medicine

Anti-allergic action of anti-malarial drug artesunate in experimental mast cell-mediated anaphylactic models

Background: Allergy is an acquired hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system mediated by cross-linking of allergen-specific IgE-bound high-affinity IgE receptors, leading to immediate mast cell degranulation. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, an active component of the medicinal plant...

Family Medicine

Characteristics of anaphylaxis-inducing IgG immune complexes triggering murine passive systemic anaphylaxis

Background: With the broad and increasing application of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical settings, IgG-induced allergic reactions, including passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), have attracted significant attention. However, it is not clear which types of IgG mAb–antigen complexes or IgG aggregates...

Family Medicine

Maternal and newborn vitamin D status and its impact on food allergy development in the German LINA cohort study

Background: Vitamin D levels are known to be associated with atopic disease development; however, existing data are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether corresponding maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels are associated with atopic outcomes in early infancy. Methods: Within the LINA cohort...

Family Medicine

Mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to allergens

The immune system is regulated to protect the host from exaggerated stimulatory signals establishing a state of tolerance in healthy individuals. The disequilibrium in immune regulatory vs effector mechanisms results in allergic or autoimmune disorders in genetically predisposed subjects under certain environmental...

Family Medicine

Topical treatment targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingosine lyase abrogates experimental allergic rhinitis in a murine model

Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays a crucial role in homeostasis of the immune system by regulating lymphocyte recirculation and inflammatory cell recruitment. The levels of S1P are tightly controlled through regulated production and controlled breakdown by sphingosine-lyase (SL). The S1P analogue FTY720...

Immunology

Characteristics of anaphylaxis-inducing IgG immune complexes triggering murine passive systemic anaphylaxis

Background: With the broad and increasing application of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical settings, IgG-induced allergic reactions, including passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), have attracted significant attention. However, it is not clear which types of IgG mAb–antigen complexes or IgG aggregates...

Immunology

Topical treatment targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingosine lyase abrogates experimental allergic rhinitis in a murine model

Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays a crucial role in homeostasis of the immune system by regulating lymphocyte recirculation and inflammatory cell recruitment. The levels of S1P are tightly controlled through regulated production and controlled breakdown by sphingosine-lyase (SL). The S1P analogue FTY720...

Immunology

Anti-allergic action of anti-malarial drug artesunate in experimental mast cell-mediated anaphylactic models

Background: Allergy is an acquired hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system mediated by cross-linking of allergen-specific IgE-bound high-affinity IgE receptors, leading to immediate mast cell degranulation. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, an active component of the medicinal plant...

Immunology

Maternal and newborn vitamin D status and its impact on food allergy development in the German LINA cohort study

Background: Vitamin D levels are known to be associated with atopic disease development; however, existing data are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether corresponding maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels are associated with atopic outcomes in early infancy. Methods: Within the LINA cohort...

Immunology

Mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to allergens

The immune system is regulated to protect the host from exaggerated stimulatory signals establishing a state of tolerance in healthy individuals. The disequilibrium in immune regulatory vs effector mechanisms results in allergic or autoimmune disorders in genetically predisposed subjects under certain environmental...

Immunology

A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment for allergic rhinitis. Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either the active acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist groups. The active...

Internal Medicine

A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment for allergic rhinitis. Methods: This study was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled study. Participants were randomized to either the active acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist groups. The active...

Internal Medicine

Anti-allergic action of anti-malarial drug artesunate in experimental mast cell-mediated anaphylactic models

Background: Allergy is an acquired hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system mediated by cross-linking of allergen-specific IgE-bound high-affinity IgE receptors, leading to immediate mast cell degranulation. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin, an active component of the medicinal plant...

Internal Medicine

Characteristics of anaphylaxis-inducing IgG immune complexes triggering murine passive systemic anaphylaxis

Background: With the broad and increasing application of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical settings, IgG-induced allergic reactions, including passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), have attracted significant attention. However, it is not clear which types of IgG mAb–antigen complexes or IgG aggregates...

Internal Medicine

Maternal and newborn vitamin D status and its impact on food allergy development in the German LINA cohort study

Background: Vitamin D levels are known to be associated with atopic disease development; however, existing data are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether corresponding maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels are associated with atopic outcomes in early infancy. Methods: Within the LINA cohort...

Internal Medicine

Mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to allergens

The immune system is regulated to protect the host from exaggerated stimulatory signals establishing a state of tolerance in healthy individuals. The disequilibrium in immune regulatory vs effector mechanisms results in allergic or autoimmune disorders in genetically predisposed subjects under certain environmental...

Internal Medicine

Topical treatment targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingosine lyase abrogates experimental allergic rhinitis in a murine model

Background: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays a crucial role in homeostasis of the immune system by regulating lymphocyte recirculation and inflammatory cell recruitment. The levels of S1P are tightly controlled through regulated production and controlled breakdown by sphingosine-lyase (SL). The S1P analogue FTY720...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Substance P antagonist improves both obesity and asthma in a mouse model

Background: Evidence suggests a causal relationship between obesity and asthma; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Substance P (SP), involved in neurogenic inflammation by acting through its receptor NK1-R, seems to participate in obese–asthma phenotype in mice. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Asthma symptoms and nasal congestion as independent risk factors for insomnia in a general population: results from the GA 2 LEN survey

Background: Asthma and rhinitis have been related to insomnia. The aim of this study was to further analyse the association between asthma, nasal symptoms and insomnia and to identify risk factors for sleep disturbance among patients with asthma, in a large population-based set of material. Method: In 2008, a postal...

Family Medicine

Asthma symptoms and nasal congestion as independent risk factors for insomnia in a general population: results from the GA 2 LEN survey

Background: Asthma and rhinitis have been related to insomnia. The aim of this study was to further analyse the association between asthma, nasal symptoms and insomnia and to identify risk factors for sleep disturbance among patients with asthma, in a large population-based set of material. Method: In 2008, a postal...

Family Medicine

Substance P antagonist improves both obesity and asthma in a mouse model

Background: Evidence suggests a causal relationship between obesity and asthma; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Substance P (SP), involved in neurogenic inflammation by acting through its receptor NK1-R, seems to participate in obese–asthma phenotype in mice. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a...

Immunology

Substance P antagonist improves both obesity and asthma in a mouse model

Background: Evidence suggests a causal relationship between obesity and asthma; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Substance P (SP), involved in neurogenic inflammation by acting through its receptor NK1-R, seems to participate in obese–asthma phenotype in mice. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a...

Immunology

Asthma symptoms and nasal congestion as independent risk factors for insomnia in a general population: results from the GA 2 LEN survey

Background: Asthma and rhinitis have been related to insomnia. The aim of this study was to further analyse the association between asthma, nasal symptoms and insomnia and to identify risk factors for sleep disturbance among patients with asthma, in a large population-based set of material. Method: In 2008, a postal...

Internal Medicine

Asthma symptoms and nasal congestion as independent risk factors for insomnia in a general population: results from the GA 2 LEN survey

Background: Asthma and rhinitis have been related to insomnia. The aim of this study was to further analyse the association between asthma, nasal symptoms and insomnia and to identify risk factors for sleep disturbance among patients with asthma, in a large population-based set of material. Method: In 2008, a postal...

Internal Medicine

Substance P antagonist improves both obesity and asthma in a mouse model

Background: Evidence suggests a causal relationship between obesity and asthma; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Substance P (SP), involved in neurogenic inflammation by acting through its receptor NK1-R, seems to participate in obese–asthma phenotype in mice. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Asthma severity in childhood and metabolomic profiling of breath condensate

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and its different phenotypes need to be better characterized from a biochemical-inflammatory standpoint. This study aimed to apply the metabolomic approach to exhaled breath condensate (breathomics) to discriminate different asthma phenotypes, with a particular focus on...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Features of airway remodeling in different types of Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with inflammation patterns

Background: The remodeling patterns in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have rarely been compared, particularly the difference between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Moreover, whether there is a link between remodeling and inflammation remains controversial. Objective:...

Family Medicine

Asthma severity in childhood and metabolomic profiling of breath condensate

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and its different phenotypes need to be better characterized from a biochemical-inflammatory standpoint. This study aimed to apply the metabolomic approach to exhaled breath condensate (breathomics) to discriminate different asthma phenotypes, with a particular focus on...

Family Medicine

Features of airway remodeling in different types of Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with inflammation patterns

Background: The remodeling patterns in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have rarely been compared, particularly the difference between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Moreover, whether there is a link between remodeling and inflammation remains controversial. Objective:...

Immunology

Asthma severity in childhood and metabolomic profiling of breath condensate

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and its different phenotypes need to be better characterized from a biochemical-inflammatory standpoint. This study aimed to apply the metabolomic approach to exhaled breath condensate (breathomics) to discriminate different asthma phenotypes, with a particular focus on...

Immunology

Features of airway remodeling in different types of Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with inflammation patterns

Background: The remodeling patterns in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have rarely been compared, particularly the difference between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Moreover, whether there is a link between remodeling and inflammation remains controversial. Objective:...

Internal Medicine

Asthma severity in childhood and metabolomic profiling of breath condensate

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and its different phenotypes need to be better characterized from a biochemical-inflammatory standpoint. This study aimed to apply the metabolomic approach to exhaled breath condensate (breathomics) to discriminate different asthma phenotypes, with a particular focus on...

Internal Medicine

Features of airway remodeling in different types of Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with inflammation patterns

Background: The remodeling patterns in different types of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have rarely been compared, particularly the difference between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Moreover, whether there is a link between remodeling and inflammation remains controversial. Objective:...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

EAACI taskforce position paper: evidence for autoimmune urticaria and proposal for defining diagnostic criteria

An autoimmune subset of chronic spontaneous urticaria is increasingly being recognized internationally, based on laboratory and clinical evidence that has accrued over the last 20 years. This evidence has been reviewed by a taskforce of the Dermatology section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology....

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Histamine suppresses epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and impairs skin barrier function in a human skin model

Background: Defects in keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier are important features of inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. Mast cells and their main mediator histamine are abundant in inflamed skin and thus may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Methods: Human primary keratinocytes were cultured...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Local receptor revision and class switching to IgE in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP) and allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by local Th2 inflammation and up-regulation of IgE; however, IgE in NP is ‘polyclonal’ and allergen specific, whereas IgE in AR is ‘oligoclonal’ and allergen specific. Germinal center (GC) reactions occur in AR, while...

Family Medicine

EAACI taskforce position paper: evidence for autoimmune urticaria and proposal for defining diagnostic criteria

An autoimmune subset of chronic spontaneous urticaria is increasingly being recognized internationally, based on laboratory and clinical evidence that has accrued over the last 20 years. This evidence has been reviewed by a taskforce of the Dermatology section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology....

Family Medicine

Histamine suppresses epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and impairs skin barrier function in a human skin model

Background: Defects in keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier are important features of inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. Mast cells and their main mediator histamine are abundant in inflamed skin and thus may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Methods: Human primary keratinocytes were cultured...

Family Medicine

Local receptor revision and class switching to IgE in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP) and allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by local Th2 inflammation and up-regulation of IgE; however, IgE in NP is ‘polyclonal’ and allergen specific, whereas IgE in AR is ‘oligoclonal’ and allergen specific. Germinal center (GC) reactions occur in AR, while...

Immunology

EAACI taskforce position paper: evidence for autoimmune urticaria and proposal for defining diagnostic criteria

An autoimmune subset of chronic spontaneous urticaria is increasingly being recognized internationally, based on laboratory and clinical evidence that has accrued over the last 20 years. This evidence has been reviewed by a taskforce of the Dermatology section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology....

Immunology

Histamine suppresses epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and impairs skin barrier function in a human skin model

Background: Defects in keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier are important features of inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. Mast cells and their main mediator histamine are abundant in inflamed skin and thus may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Methods: Human primary keratinocytes were cultured...

Immunology

Local receptor revision and class switching to IgE in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP) and allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by local Th2 inflammation and up-regulation of IgE; however, IgE in NP is ‘polyclonal’ and allergen specific, whereas IgE in AR is ‘oligoclonal’ and allergen specific. Germinal center (GC) reactions occur in AR, while...

Internal Medicine

EAACI taskforce position paper: evidence for autoimmune urticaria and proposal for defining diagnostic criteria

An autoimmune subset of chronic spontaneous urticaria is increasingly being recognized internationally, based on laboratory and clinical evidence that has accrued over the last 20 years. This evidence has been reviewed by a taskforce of the Dermatology section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology....

Internal Medicine

Histamine suppresses epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and impairs skin barrier function in a human skin model

Background: Defects in keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier are important features of inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. Mast cells and their main mediator histamine are abundant in inflamed skin and thus may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Methods: Human primary keratinocytes were cultured...

Internal Medicine

Local receptor revision and class switching to IgE in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (NP) and allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by local Th2 inflammation and up-regulation of IgE; however, IgE in NP is ‘polyclonal’ and allergen specific, whereas IgE in AR is ‘oligoclonal’ and allergen specific. Germinal center (GC) reactions occur in AR, while...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition improves corticosteroid insensitivity in pulmonary endothelial cells under oxidative stress

Background: Several clinical studies have shown that smoking in asthmatics and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is closely associated with corticosteroid refractoriness. In this work, we have analyzed glucocorticoid insensitivity in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) under cigarette smoke...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Recombinant human C1 inhibitor for the prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema attacks: a pilot study

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disease characterized by recurrent tissue swelling affecting various body locations. Recent literature shows that patients with frequent attacks may benefit from long-term prophylaxis. This study evaluated the safety and prophylactic effect of weekly administrations of...

Family Medicine

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition improves corticosteroid insensitivity in pulmonary endothelial cells under oxidative stress

Background: Several clinical studies have shown that smoking in asthmatics and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is closely associated with corticosteroid refractoriness. In this work, we have analyzed glucocorticoid insensitivity in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) under cigarette smoke...

Family Medicine

Recombinant human C1 inhibitor for the prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema attacks: a pilot study

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disease characterized by recurrent tissue swelling affecting various body locations. Recent literature shows that patients with frequent attacks may benefit from long-term prophylaxis. This study evaluated the safety and prophylactic effect of weekly administrations of...

Immunology

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition improves corticosteroid insensitivity in pulmonary endothelial cells under oxidative stress

Background: Several clinical studies have shown that smoking in asthmatics and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is closely associated with corticosteroid refractoriness. In this work, we have analyzed glucocorticoid insensitivity in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) under cigarette smoke...

Immunology

Recombinant human C1 inhibitor for the prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema attacks: a pilot study

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disease characterized by recurrent tissue swelling affecting various body locations. Recent literature shows that patients with frequent attacks may benefit from long-term prophylaxis. This study evaluated the safety and prophylactic effect of weekly administrations of...

Internal Medicine

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition improves corticosteroid insensitivity in pulmonary endothelial cells under oxidative stress

Background: Several clinical studies have shown that smoking in asthmatics and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is closely associated with corticosteroid refractoriness. In this work, we have analyzed glucocorticoid insensitivity in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) under cigarette smoke...

Internal Medicine

Recombinant human C1 inhibitor for the prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema attacks: a pilot study

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disease characterized by recurrent tissue swelling affecting various body locations. Recent literature shows that patients with frequent attacks may benefit from long-term prophylaxis. This study evaluated the safety and prophylactic effect of weekly administrations of...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Atopic dermatitis 2.0: from the clinical phenotype to the molecular taxonomy and stratified medicine

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a paradigmatic inflammatory chronic skin disease. As for other chronic skin diseases, (i) the spectrum of the clinical phenotype and severity as well as (ii) the genetic background and (iii) the underlying mechanisms strongly suggest a high degree of pathophysiological heterogeneity yet...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Novel insights into mechanisms of food allergy and allergic airway inflammation using experimental mouse models

Over the last decades, considerable efforts have been undertaken in the development of animal models mimicking the pathogenesis of allergic diseases occurring in humans. The mouse has rapidly emerged as the animal model of choice, due to considerations of handling and costs and, importantly, due to the availability of...

Family Medicine

Atopic dermatitis 2.0: from the clinical phenotype to the molecular taxonomy and stratified medicine

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a paradigmatic inflammatory chronic skin disease. As for other chronic skin diseases, (i) the spectrum of the clinical phenotype and severity as well as (ii) the genetic background and (iii) the underlying mechanisms strongly suggest a high degree of pathophysiological heterogeneity yet...

Family Medicine

Novel insights into mechanisms of food allergy and allergic airway inflammation using experimental mouse models

Over the last decades, considerable efforts have been undertaken in the development of animal models mimicking the pathogenesis of allergic diseases occurring in humans. The mouse has rapidly emerged as the animal model of choice, due to considerations of handling and costs and, importantly, due to the availability of...

Immunology

Atopic dermatitis 2.0: from the clinical phenotype to the molecular taxonomy and stratified medicine

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a paradigmatic inflammatory chronic skin disease. As for other chronic skin diseases, (i) the spectrum of the clinical phenotype and severity as well as (ii) the genetic background and (iii) the underlying mechanisms strongly suggest a high degree of pathophysiological heterogeneity yet...

Immunology

Novel insights into mechanisms of food allergy and allergic airway inflammation using experimental mouse models

Over the last decades, considerable efforts have been undertaken in the development of animal models mimicking the pathogenesis of allergic diseases occurring in humans. The mouse has rapidly emerged as the animal model of choice, due to considerations of handling and costs and, importantly, due to the availability of...

Internal Medicine

Atopic dermatitis 2.0: from the clinical phenotype to the molecular taxonomy and stratified medicine

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a paradigmatic inflammatory chronic skin disease. As for other chronic skin diseases, (i) the spectrum of the clinical phenotype and severity as well as (ii) the genetic background and (iii) the underlying mechanisms strongly suggest a high degree of pathophysiological heterogeneity yet...

Internal Medicine

Novel insights into mechanisms of food allergy and allergic airway inflammation using experimental mouse models

Over the last decades, considerable efforts have been undertaken in the development of animal models mimicking the pathogenesis of allergic diseases occurring in humans. The mouse has rapidly emerged as the animal model of choice, due to considerations of handling and costs and, importantly, due to the availability of...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

IgE, but not IgG4, antibodies to Ara h 2 distinguish peanut allergy from asymptomatic peanut sensitization

Background: There are no available clinical tests that can accurately predict peanut allergy (PA) and/or anaphylaxis. This study is aimed at evaluating whether the component-resolved diagnostic (CRD) IgE and IgG4 tests can (i) distinguish PA from asymptomatic peanut sensitization (PS) and (ii) differentiate...

Family Medicine

IgE, but not IgG4, antibodies to Ara h 2 distinguish peanut allergy from asymptomatic peanut sensitization

Background: There are no available clinical tests that can accurately predict peanut allergy (PA) and/or anaphylaxis. This study is aimed at evaluating whether the component-resolved diagnostic (CRD) IgE and IgG4 tests can (i) distinguish PA from asymptomatic peanut sensitization (PS) and (ii) differentiate...

Immunology

IgE, but not IgG4, antibodies to Ara h 2 distinguish peanut allergy from asymptomatic peanut sensitization

Background: There are no available clinical tests that can accurately predict peanut allergy (PA) and/or anaphylaxis. This study is aimed at evaluating whether the component-resolved diagnostic (CRD) IgE and IgG4 tests can (i) distinguish PA from asymptomatic peanut sensitization (PS) and (ii) differentiate...

Internal Medicine

IgE, but not IgG4, antibodies to Ara h 2 distinguish peanut allergy from asymptomatic peanut sensitization

Background: There are no available clinical tests that can accurately predict peanut allergy (PA) and/or anaphylaxis. This study is aimed at evaluating whether the component-resolved diagnostic (CRD) IgE and IgG4 tests can (i) distinguish PA from asymptomatic peanut sensitization (PS) and (ii) differentiate...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

An IgE epitope of Bet v 1 and fagales PR10 proteins as defined by a human monoclonal IgE

Background: Analyses of the molecular basis underlying allergenicity and allergen cross-reactivity, as well as improvement of allergy diagnostics and therapeutics, are hampered by the lack of human monoclonal IgE antibodies and knowledge about their epitopes. Here, we addressed the consecutive generation and epitope...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Short-term venom immunotherapy induces desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response

Background: The precise immunological mechanisms for the early clinical protection of venom immunotherapy (VIT) have not yet been explained. Our aim was to evaluate whether high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the related basophil function have a role in the induction of short-term VIT protection. Methods: We...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Do mast cells link obesity and asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Both the number of cases and severity of asthma have been increasing without a clear explanation. Recent evidence suggests that obesity, which has also been increasing alarmingly, may worsen or precipitate asthma, but there is little evidence of how obesity may...

Family Medicine

An IgE epitope of Bet v 1 and fagales PR10 proteins as defined by a human monoclonal IgE

Background: Analyses of the molecular basis underlying allergenicity and allergen cross-reactivity, as well as improvement of allergy diagnostics and therapeutics, are hampered by the lack of human monoclonal IgE antibodies and knowledge about their epitopes. Here, we addressed the consecutive generation and epitope...

Family Medicine

Do mast cells link obesity and asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Both the number of cases and severity of asthma have been increasing without a clear explanation. Recent evidence suggests that obesity, which has also been increasing alarmingly, may worsen or precipitate asthma, but there is little evidence of how obesity may...

Family Medicine

Short-term venom immunotherapy induces desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response

Background: The precise immunological mechanisms for the early clinical protection of venom immunotherapy (VIT) have not yet been explained. Our aim was to evaluate whether high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the related basophil function have a role in the induction of short-term VIT protection. Methods: We...

Immunology

An IgE epitope of Bet v 1 and fagales PR10 proteins as defined by a human monoclonal IgE

Background: Analyses of the molecular basis underlying allergenicity and allergen cross-reactivity, as well as improvement of allergy diagnostics and therapeutics, are hampered by the lack of human monoclonal IgE antibodies and knowledge about their epitopes. Here, we addressed the consecutive generation and epitope...

Immunology

Short-term venom immunotherapy induces desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response

Background: The precise immunological mechanisms for the early clinical protection of venom immunotherapy (VIT) have not yet been explained. Our aim was to evaluate whether high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the related basophil function have a role in the induction of short-term VIT protection. Methods: We...

Immunology

Do mast cells link obesity and asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Both the number of cases and severity of asthma have been increasing without a clear explanation. Recent evidence suggests that obesity, which has also been increasing alarmingly, may worsen or precipitate asthma, but there is little evidence of how obesity may...

Internal Medicine

An IgE epitope of Bet v 1 and fagales PR10 proteins as defined by a human monoclonal IgE

Background: Analyses of the molecular basis underlying allergenicity and allergen cross-reactivity, as well as improvement of allergy diagnostics and therapeutics, are hampered by the lack of human monoclonal IgE antibodies and knowledge about their epitopes. Here, we addressed the consecutive generation and epitope...

Internal Medicine

Do mast cells link obesity and asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Both the number of cases and severity of asthma have been increasing without a clear explanation. Recent evidence suggests that obesity, which has also been increasing alarmingly, may worsen or precipitate asthma, but there is little evidence of how obesity may...

Internal Medicine

Short-term venom immunotherapy induces desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response

Background: The precise immunological mechanisms for the early clinical protection of venom immunotherapy (VIT) have not yet been explained. Our aim was to evaluate whether high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the related basophil function have a role in the induction of short-term VIT protection. Methods: We...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 regulates TGF-β1 production in airway epithelia and asthmatic airway remodeling in mice

Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 produced in airway epithelia has been suggested as a contributor to the airway remodeling observed in asthma patients. The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is a demonstrable modulator of TGF-β1 production and thus a potential regulator of airway remodeling. Objectives:...

Family Medicine

Protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 regulates TGF-β1 production in airway epithelia and asthmatic airway remodeling in mice

Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 produced in airway epithelia has been suggested as a contributor to the airway remodeling observed in asthma patients. The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is a demonstrable modulator of TGF-β1 production and thus a potential regulator of airway remodeling. Objectives:...

Immunology

Protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 regulates TGF-β1 production in airway epithelia and asthmatic airway remodeling in mice

Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 produced in airway epithelia has been suggested as a contributor to the airway remodeling observed in asthma patients. The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is a demonstrable modulator of TGF-β1 production and thus a potential regulator of airway remodeling. Objectives:...

Internal Medicine

Protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 regulates TGF-β1 production in airway epithelia and asthmatic airway remodeling in mice

Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 produced in airway epithelia has been suggested as a contributor to the airway remodeling observed in asthma patients. The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is a demonstrable modulator of TGF-β1 production and thus a potential regulator of airway remodeling. Objectives:...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Systemic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids

Background: Although unexpected and paradoxical, allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is a common finding, delayed-type reactions being much more frequently encountered than the immediate-type ones. Although the skin is the main sensitization and elicitation route, other routes, amongst them systemic...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Systemic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids

Background: Although unexpected and paradoxical, allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is a common finding, delayed-type reactions being much more frequently encountered than the immediate-type ones. Although the skin is the main sensitization and elicitation route, other routes, amongst them systemic...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Clinical Laboratory

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Eye Health and Disorders

Systemic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids

Background: Although unexpected and paradoxical, allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is a common finding, delayed-type reactions being much more frequently encountered than the immediate-type ones. Although the skin is the main sensitization and elicitation route, other routes, amongst them systemic...

Family Medicine

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Family Medicine

Systemic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids

Background: Although unexpected and paradoxical, allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is a common finding, delayed-type reactions being much more frequently encountered than the immediate-type ones. Although the skin is the main sensitization and elicitation route, other routes, amongst them systemic...

Immunology

Systemic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids

Background: Although unexpected and paradoxical, allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is a common finding, delayed-type reactions being much more frequently encountered than the immediate-type ones. Although the skin is the main sensitization and elicitation route, other routes, amongst them systemic...

Immunology

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Immunology

Systemic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids

Background: Although unexpected and paradoxical, allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is a common finding, delayed-type reactions being much more frequently encountered than the immediate-type ones. Although the skin is the main sensitization and elicitation route, other routes, amongst them systemic...

Immunology

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Internal Medicine

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Internal Medicine

Systemic contact dermatitis to corticosteroids

Background: Although unexpected and paradoxical, allergic hypersensitivity to corticosteroids is a common finding, delayed-type reactions being much more frequently encountered than the immediate-type ones. Although the skin is the main sensitization and elicitation route, other routes, amongst them systemic...

Sports Medicine

Microarray evaluation of specific IgE to allergen components in elite athletes

Background: Allergic sensitization and diseases have been reported to have a very high and increasing prevalence in elite athletes. Over 80% of allergic athletes are poly-sensitized. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the potential diagnostic added value of a microarray technology (ImmunoCAP ISAC, Phadia AB [at...

Family Medicine

Environmental bacteria and childhood asthma

Background: We have previously found an inverse association of bacterial diversity with childhood asthma. It remains unclear whether certain bacteria account for the protective effect. Methods: The high variability of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene allows assessing diversity and specificity of bacterial communities by...

Family Medicine

Mutational spectrum and geno-phenotype correlation in Chinese families with Hereditary Angioedema

Background: Hereditary angioedema is a rare autosomal dominant disease, and its correlation between genotype and phenotype seems not to exist. So far, there are very few studies on Chinese population. We aimed to establish a Chinese genetic database of hereditary angioedema and investigated the potential correlation...

Immunology

Mutational spectrum and geno-phenotype correlation in Chinese families with Hereditary Angioedema

Background: Hereditary angioedema is a rare autosomal dominant disease, and its correlation between genotype and phenotype seems not to exist. So far, there are very few studies on Chinese population. We aimed to establish a Chinese genetic database of hereditary angioedema and investigated the potential correlation...

Immunology

Environmental bacteria and childhood asthma

Background: We have previously found an inverse association of bacterial diversity with childhood asthma. It remains unclear whether certain bacteria account for the protective effect. Methods: The high variability of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene allows assessing diversity and specificity of bacterial communities by...

Internal Medicine

Environmental bacteria and childhood asthma

Background: We have previously found an inverse association of bacterial diversity with childhood asthma. It remains unclear whether certain bacteria account for the protective effect. Methods: The high variability of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene allows assessing diversity and specificity of bacterial communities by...

Internal Medicine

Mutational spectrum and geno-phenotype correlation in Chinese families with Hereditary Angioedema

Background: Hereditary angioedema is a rare autosomal dominant disease, and its correlation between genotype and phenotype seems not to exist. So far, there are very few studies on Chinese population. We aimed to establish a Chinese genetic database of hereditary angioedema and investigated the potential correlation...

Medical Genetics

Mutational spectrum and geno-phenotype correlation in Chinese families with Hereditary Angioedema

Background: Hereditary angioedema is a rare autosomal dominant disease, and its correlation between genotype and phenotype seems not to exist. So far, there are very few studies on Chinese population. We aimed to establish a Chinese genetic database of hereditary angioedema and investigated the potential correlation...

Paediatrics

Environmental bacteria and childhood asthma

Background: We have previously found an inverse association of bacterial diversity with childhood asthma. It remains unclear whether certain bacteria account for the protective effect. Methods: The high variability of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene allows assessing diversity and specificity of bacterial communities by...

Family Medicine

Validation of the modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) severity classification in allergic rhinitis children: the PEDRIAL study

Background: A modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) (m-ARIA) criterion to classify the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) has recently been validated in both treated and untreated adult patients; however, such information in children is lacking. The aim of this study was to validate this m-ARIA...

Immunology

Validation of the modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) severity classification in allergic rhinitis children: the PEDRIAL study

Background: A modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) (m-ARIA) criterion to classify the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) has recently been validated in both treated and untreated adult patients; however, such information in children is lacking. The aim of this study was to validate this m-ARIA...

Internal Medicine

Validation of the modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) severity classification in allergic rhinitis children: the PEDRIAL study

Background: A modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) (m-ARIA) criterion to classify the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) has recently been validated in both treated and untreated adult patients; however, such information in children is lacking. The aim of this study was to validate this m-ARIA...

Paediatrics

Validation of the modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) severity classification in allergic rhinitis children: the PEDRIAL study

Background: A modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) (m-ARIA) criterion to classify the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) has recently been validated in both treated and untreated adult patients; however, such information in children is lacking. The aim of this study was to validate this m-ARIA...

Central Nervous System

Improving dementia care: The role of screening and detection of cognitive impairment

The value of screening for cognitive impairment, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, has been debated for decades. Recent research on causes of and treatments for cognitive impairment has converged to challenge previous thinking about screening for cognitive impairment. Consequently, changes have occurred in...

Central Nervous System

Florbetapir (F18-AV-45) PET to assess amyloid burden in Alzheimer's disease dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and normal aging

Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of florbetapir F18 positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy control subjects (HCs). Methods: Florbetapir PET was acquired in 184 subjects (45 AD patients, 60 MCI patients, and 79 HCs)...

Central Nervous System

Diagnostic accuracy of markers for prodromal Alzheimer's disease in independent clinical series

Objective: To capitalize on data from different clinical series to compare sensitivity and specificity of individual biomarkers for predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Medial temporal atrophy, cortical hypometabolism, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were...

Central Nervous System

New ELISAs with high specificity for soluble oligomers of amyloid β-protein detect natural Aβ oligomers in human brain but not CSF

Background: Soluble oligomers of amyloid ß-protein (Aß) have been increasingly linked to synaptic dysfunction, tau alteration, and neuritic dystrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mouse models. There is a great need for assays that quantify Aß oligomers with high specificity and sensitivity. Methods: We designed and...

Central Nervous System

White matter hyperintensities and amyloid are independently associated with entorhinal cortex volume among individuals with mild cognitive impairment

Background: Current hypothetical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis emphasize the role of β-amyloid (Aβ), tau deposition, and neurodegenerative changes in the mesial temporal lobe, particularly the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. However, many individuals with clinical AD who come to autopsy also...

Central Nervous System

Focal hemosiderin deposits and β-amyloid load in the ADNI cohort

Background: Prevalence and risk factors for focal hemosiderin deposits are important considerations when planning amyloid-modifying trials for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Subjects were cognitively normal (n = 171), early-mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 240), late-MCI (n = 111),...

Central Nervous System

AD dementia risk in late MCI, in early MCI, and in subjective memory impairment

Objective: To compare the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia in late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), early MCI (EMCI), and subjective memory impairment (SMI) with normal test performance. Methods: The baseline sample (n = 2892) of the prospective cohort study in nondemented individuals (German Study...

Family Medicine

AD dementia risk in late MCI, in early MCI, and in subjective memory impairment

Objective: To compare the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia in late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), early MCI (EMCI), and subjective memory impairment (SMI) with normal test performance. Methods: The baseline sample (n = 2892) of the prospective cohort study in nondemented individuals (German Study...

Family Medicine

Diagnostic accuracy of markers for prodromal Alzheimer's disease in independent clinical series

Objective: To capitalize on data from different clinical series to compare sensitivity and specificity of individual biomarkers for predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Medial temporal atrophy, cortical hypometabolism, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were...

Family Medicine

Florbetapir (F18-AV-45) PET to assess amyloid burden in Alzheimer's disease dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and normal aging

Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of florbetapir F18 positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy control subjects (HCs). Methods: Florbetapir PET was acquired in 184 subjects (45 AD patients, 60 MCI patients, and 79 HCs)...

Family Medicine

Focal hemosiderin deposits and β-amyloid load in the ADNI cohort

Background: Prevalence and risk factors for focal hemosiderin deposits are important considerations when planning amyloid-modifying trials for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Subjects were cognitively normal (n = 171), early-mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 240), late-MCI (n = 111),...

Family Medicine

Improving dementia care: The role of screening and detection of cognitive impairment

The value of screening for cognitive impairment, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, has been debated for decades. Recent research on causes of and treatments for cognitive impairment has converged to challenge previous thinking about screening for cognitive impairment. Consequently, changes have occurred in...

Family Medicine

New ELISAs with high specificity for soluble oligomers of amyloid β-protein detect natural Aβ oligomers in human brain but not CSF

Background: Soluble oligomers of amyloid ß-protein (Aß) have been increasingly linked to synaptic dysfunction, tau alteration, and neuritic dystrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mouse models. There is a great need for assays that quantify Aß oligomers with high specificity and sensitivity. Methods: We designed and...

Family Medicine

White matter hyperintensities and amyloid are independently associated with entorhinal cortex volume among individuals with mild cognitive impairment

Background: Current hypothetical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis emphasize the role of β-amyloid (Aβ), tau deposition, and neurodegenerative changes in the mesial temporal lobe, particularly the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. However, many individuals with clinical AD who come to autopsy also...

Internal Medicine

AD dementia risk in late MCI, in early MCI, and in subjective memory impairment

Objective: To compare the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia in late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), early MCI (EMCI), and subjective memory impairment (SMI) with normal test performance. Methods: The baseline sample (n = 2892) of the prospective cohort study in nondemented individuals (German Study...

Internal Medicine

Diagnostic accuracy of markers for prodromal Alzheimer's disease in independent clinical series

Objective: To capitalize on data from different clinical series to compare sensitivity and specificity of individual biomarkers for predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Medial temporal atrophy, cortical hypometabolism, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were...

Internal Medicine

Florbetapir (F18-AV-45) PET to assess amyloid burden in Alzheimer's disease dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and normal aging

Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of florbetapir F18 positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy control subjects (HCs). Methods: Florbetapir PET was acquired in 184 subjects (45 AD patients, 60 MCI patients, and 79 HCs)...

Internal Medicine

Focal hemosiderin deposits and β-amyloid load in the ADNI cohort

Background: Prevalence and risk factors for focal hemosiderin deposits are important considerations when planning amyloid-modifying trials for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Subjects were cognitively normal (n = 171), early-mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 240), late-MCI (n = 111),...

Internal Medicine

Improving dementia care: The role of screening and detection of cognitive impairment

The value of screening for cognitive impairment, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, has been debated for decades. Recent research on causes of and treatments for cognitive impairment has converged to challenge previous thinking about screening for cognitive impairment. Consequently, changes have occurred in...

Internal Medicine

New ELISAs with high specificity for soluble oligomers of amyloid β-protein detect natural Aβ oligomers in human brain but not CSF

Background: Soluble oligomers of amyloid ß-protein (Aß) have been increasingly linked to synaptic dysfunction, tau alteration, and neuritic dystrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mouse models. There is a great need for assays that quantify Aß oligomers with high specificity and sensitivity. Methods: We designed and...

Internal Medicine

White matter hyperintensities and amyloid are independently associated with entorhinal cortex volume among individuals with mild cognitive impairment

Background: Current hypothetical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis emphasize the role of β-amyloid (Aβ), tau deposition, and neurodegenerative changes in the mesial temporal lobe, particularly the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. However, many individuals with clinical AD who come to autopsy also...

Neurological Disorders

Improving dementia care: The role of screening and detection of cognitive impairment

The value of screening for cognitive impairment, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, has been debated for decades. Recent research on causes of and treatments for cognitive impairment has converged to challenge previous thinking about screening for cognitive impairment. Consequently, changes have occurred in...

Neurological Disorders

Florbetapir (F18-AV-45) PET to assess amyloid burden in Alzheimer's disease dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and normal aging

Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of florbetapir F18 positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy control subjects (HCs). Methods: Florbetapir PET was acquired in 184 subjects (45 AD patients, 60 MCI patients, and 79 HCs)...

Neurological Disorders

Diagnostic accuracy of markers for prodromal Alzheimer's disease in independent clinical series

Objective: To capitalize on data from different clinical series to compare sensitivity and specificity of individual biomarkers for predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Medial temporal atrophy, cortical hypometabolism, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were...

Neurological Disorders

New ELISAs with high specificity for soluble oligomers of amyloid β-protein detect natural Aβ oligomers in human brain but not CSF

Background: Soluble oligomers of amyloid ß-protein (Aß) have been increasingly linked to synaptic dysfunction, tau alteration, and neuritic dystrophy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mouse models. There is a great need for assays that quantify Aß oligomers with high specificity and sensitivity. Methods: We designed and...

Neurological Disorders

White matter hyperintensities and amyloid are independently associated with entorhinal cortex volume among individuals with mild cognitive impairment

Background: Current hypothetical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis emphasize the role of β-amyloid (Aβ), tau deposition, and neurodegenerative changes in the mesial temporal lobe, particularly the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. However, many individuals with clinical AD who come to autopsy also...

Neurological Disorders

Focal hemosiderin deposits and β-amyloid load in the ADNI cohort

Background: Prevalence and risk factors for focal hemosiderin deposits are important considerations when planning amyloid-modifying trials for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Subjects were cognitively normal (n = 171), early-mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 240), late-MCI (n = 111),...

Neurological Disorders

AD dementia risk in late MCI, in early MCI, and in subjective memory impairment

Objective: To compare the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia in late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI), early MCI (EMCI), and subjective memory impairment (SMI) with normal test performance. Methods: The baseline sample (n = 2892) of the prospective cohort study in nondemented individuals (German Study...

Cardiology

Temporal Trends in Medical Therapies for ST- and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] Surveillance Study)

Reports from large studies using administrative data sets and event registries have characterized recent temporal trends and treatment patterns for acute myocardial infarction. However, few were population based, and fewer examined differences in patterns of treatment for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation...

Cardiology

Influence of Gender on Ischemic Times and Outcomes After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Previous studies investigating the influence of gender on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of gender on ischemic times and outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients treated with primary...

Cardiology

Real Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in a Coronary Disease Population

The high prevalence of unknown diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with coronary disease and that the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the best diagnostic method in this context are well known. However, data about the incidence of DM in this population have not been well described. In the present study, we sought...

Cardiology

Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study

Although the effect of niacin on the glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus has been investigated, niacin’s effects on the glucose levels and atherosclerosis in subjects with normal glucose levels have not been well established. We examined the effect of niacin on the glucose levels, coronary stenosis...

Cardiology

Relation of Morbid Obesity and Female Gender to Risk of Procedural Complications in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently treated with AF ablation. We sought to examine whether a body mass index (BMI) threshold exists beyond which the odds of experiencing a complication from AF ablation increases. All patients enrolled in the Vanderbilt AF Registry who underwent catheter-based AF...

Cardiology

Comparison of Surgical Septal Myectomy to Medical Therapy Alone in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Syncope

The presence of syncope despite medical therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is considered an indication for surgical myectomy; however, no study has examined the long-term effects on recurrent syncope and survival after surgery in these patients. We examined 239 patients with HC and a history of...

Cardiology

Indexes of von Willebrand Factor as Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity (from the Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity [BASS] Study)

We correlated von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity indexes and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with measures of aortic stenosis (AS) severity, bleeding, symptoms, and freedom from death or aortic valve replacement. Patients with AS (n = 66 [16 mild, 20 moderate, and 30 severe]) and aortic valve replacement (n = 21)...

Cardiology

Desmin Mutations and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium and ventricular arrhythmias, associated with mutations in the desmosomal genes. Only a missense mutation in the DES gene coding for desmin, the intermediate filament...

Cardiology

Refining the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy in Medically Managed Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is recommended for use as first-line therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who undergo high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. However, revascularization may not be a beneficial option for some subgroups of patients with ACS....

Cardiology

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Pulmonary Embolism With the GRACE Risk Score

Despite the existence of several risk scores, the accurate prediction of the prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a challenge. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score has a high diagnostic performance for adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the applicability...

Cardiology

Relation of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone to Cardiac Biomarkers and to Left Ventricular Mass (from the Cardiovascular Health Study)

Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) may affect cardiovascular health in patients with kidney disease and in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and PTH concentrations with a comprehensive set of biochemical, electrocardiographic, and...

Angiology

Real Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in a Coronary Disease Population

The high prevalence of unknown diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with coronary disease and that the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the best diagnostic method in this context are well known. However, data about the incidence of DM in this population have not been well described. In the present study, we sought...

Angiology

Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study

Although the effect of niacin on the glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus has been investigated, niacin’s effects on the glucose levels and atherosclerosis in subjects with normal glucose levels have not been well established. We examined the effect of niacin on the glucose levels, coronary stenosis...

Angiology

Relation of Morbid Obesity and Female Gender to Risk of Procedural Complications in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently treated with AF ablation. We sought to examine whether a body mass index (BMI) threshold exists beyond which the odds of experiencing a complication from AF ablation increases. All patients enrolled in the Vanderbilt AF Registry who underwent catheter-based AF...

Angiology

Indexes of von Willebrand Factor as Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity (from the Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity [BASS] Study)

We correlated von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity indexes and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with measures of aortic stenosis (AS) severity, bleeding, symptoms, and freedom from death or aortic valve replacement. Patients with AS (n = 66 [16 mild, 20 moderate, and 30 severe]) and aortic valve replacement (n = 21)...

Angiology

Refining the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy in Medically Managed Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is recommended for use as first-line therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who undergo high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. However, revascularization may not be a beneficial option for some subgroups of patients with ACS....

Angiology

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Pulmonary Embolism With the GRACE Risk Score

Despite the existence of several risk scores, the accurate prediction of the prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a challenge. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score has a high diagnostic performance for adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the applicability...

Family Medicine

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Pulmonary Embolism With the GRACE Risk Score

Despite the existence of several risk scores, the accurate prediction of the prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a challenge. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score has a high diagnostic performance for adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the applicability...

Family Medicine

Comparison of Surgical Septal Myectomy to Medical Therapy Alone in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Syncope

The presence of syncope despite medical therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is considered an indication for surgical myectomy; however, no study has examined the long-term effects on recurrent syncope and survival after surgery in these patients. We examined 239 patients with HC and a history of...

Family Medicine

Desmin Mutations and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium and ventricular arrhythmias, associated with mutations in the desmosomal genes. Only a missense mutation in the DES gene coding for desmin, the intermediate filament...

Family Medicine

Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study

Although the effect of niacin on the glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus has been investigated, niacin’s effects on the glucose levels and atherosclerosis in subjects with normal glucose levels have not been well established. We examined the effect of niacin on the glucose levels, coronary stenosis...

Family Medicine

Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study

Although the effect of niacin on the glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus has been investigated, niacin’s effects on the glucose levels and atherosclerosis in subjects with normal glucose levels have not been well established. We examined the effect of niacin on the glucose levels, coronary stenosis...

Family Medicine

Indexes of von Willebrand Factor as Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity (from the Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity [BASS] Study)

We correlated von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity indexes and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with measures of aortic stenosis (AS) severity, bleeding, symptoms, and freedom from death or aortic valve replacement. Patients with AS (n = 66 [16 mild, 20 moderate, and 30 severe]) and aortic valve replacement (n = 21)...

Family Medicine

Influence of Gender on Ischemic Times and Outcomes After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Previous studies investigating the influence of gender on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of gender on ischemic times and outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients treated with primary...

Family Medicine

Real Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in a Coronary Disease Population

The high prevalence of unknown diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with coronary disease and that the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the best diagnostic method in this context are well known. However, data about the incidence of DM in this population have not been well described. In the present study, we sought...

Family Medicine

Refining the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy in Medically Managed Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is recommended for use as first-line therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who undergo high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. However, revascularization may not be a beneficial option for some subgroups of patients with ACS....

Family Medicine

Relation of Morbid Obesity and Female Gender to Risk of Procedural Complications in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently treated with AF ablation. We sought to examine whether a body mass index (BMI) threshold exists beyond which the odds of experiencing a complication from AF ablation increases. All patients enrolled in the Vanderbilt AF Registry who underwent catheter-based AF...

Family Medicine

Relation of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone to Cardiac Biomarkers and to Left Ventricular Mass (from the Cardiovascular Health Study)

Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) may affect cardiovascular health in patients with kidney disease and in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and PTH concentrations with a comprehensive set of biochemical, electrocardiographic, and...

Family Medicine

Temporal Trends in Medical Therapies for ST- and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] Surveillance Study)

Reports from large studies using administrative data sets and event registries have characterized recent temporal trends and treatment patterns for acute myocardial infarction. However, few were population based, and fewer examined differences in patterns of treatment for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation...

Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of Pulmonary Embolism With the GRACE Risk Score

Despite the existence of several risk scores, the accurate prediction of the prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a challenge. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score has a high diagnostic performance for adverse outcomes in acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the applicability...

Internal Medicine

Comparison of Surgical Septal Myectomy to Medical Therapy Alone in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Syncope

The presence of syncope despite medical therapy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is considered an indication for surgical myectomy; however, no study has examined the long-term effects on recurrent syncope and survival after surgery in these patients. We examined 239 patients with HC and a history of...

Internal Medicine

Desmin Mutations and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart muscle disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium and ventricular arrhythmias, associated with mutations in the desmosomal genes. Only a missense mutation in the DES gene coding for desmin, the intermediate filament...

Internal Medicine

Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study

Although the effect of niacin on the glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus has been investigated, niacin’s effects on the glucose levels and atherosclerosis in subjects with normal glucose levels have not been well established. We examined the effect of niacin on the glucose levels, coronary stenosis...

Internal Medicine

Effects of Niacin on Glucose Levels, Coronary Stenosis Progression, and Clinical Events in Subjects With Normal Baseline Glucose Levels (<100 mg/dl): A Combined Analysis of the Familial Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (FATS), HDL-Atherosclerosis Treatment Study (HATS), Armed Forces Regression Study (AFREGS), and Carotid Plaque Composition by MRI During Lipid-lowering (CPC) Study

Although the effect of niacin on the glucose levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus has been investigated, niacin’s effects on the glucose levels and atherosclerosis in subjects with normal glucose levels have not been well established. We examined the effect of niacin on the glucose levels, coronary stenosis...

Internal Medicine

Indexes of von Willebrand Factor as Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity (from the Biomarkers of Aortic Stenosis Severity [BASS] Study)

We correlated von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity indexes and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with measures of aortic stenosis (AS) severity, bleeding, symptoms, and freedom from death or aortic valve replacement. Patients with AS (n = 66 [16 mild, 20 moderate, and 30 severe]) and aortic valve replacement (n = 21)...

Internal Medicine

Influence of Gender on Ischemic Times and Outcomes After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Previous studies investigating the influence of gender on ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have reported conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of gender on ischemic times and outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients treated with primary...

Internal Medicine

Real Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in a Coronary Disease Population

The high prevalence of unknown diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with coronary disease and that the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the best diagnostic method in this context are well known. However, data about the incidence of DM in this population have not been well described. In the present study, we sought...

Internal Medicine

Refining the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy in Medically Managed Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Dual-antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor is recommended for use as first-line therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who undergo high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. However, revascularization may not be a beneficial option for some subgroups of patients with ACS....

Internal Medicine

Relation of Morbid Obesity and Female Gender to Risk of Procedural Complications in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Obese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently treated with AF ablation. We sought to examine whether a body mass index (BMI) threshold exists beyond which the odds of experiencing a complication from AF ablation increases. All patients enrolled in the Vanderbilt AF Registry who underwent catheter-based AF...

Internal Medicine

Relation of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone to Cardiac Biomarkers and to Left Ventricular Mass (from the Cardiovascular Health Study)

Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) may affect cardiovascular health in patients with kidney disease and in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and PTH concentrations with a comprehensive set of biochemical, electrocardiographic, and...

Internal Medicine

Temporal Trends in Medical Therapies for ST- and Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] Surveillance Study)

Reports from large studies using administrative data sets and event registries have characterized recent temporal trends and treatment patterns for acute myocardial infarction. However, few were population based, and fewer examined differences in patterns of treatment for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation...

Family Medicine

MicroRNAs in Kidney Disease: An Emerging Understanding

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA molecules that function by negatively regulating the expression of their target genes in a tightly controlled manner. Accumulating evidence, based in part on effects seen after miRNA overexpression and/or knockdown, points to the critical involvement of miRNAs in kidney...

Family Medicine

Removal of Dabigatran by Hemodialysis

Dabigatran is a newly available oral direct thrombin inhibitor approved for anticoagulation therapy to prevent strokes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Unlike warfarin, dabigatran's observed therapeutic window and minimal drug-to-drug interaction suggest that invasive laboratory testing and dose...

Internal Medicine

MicroRNAs in Kidney Disease: An Emerging Understanding

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA molecules that function by negatively regulating the expression of their target genes in a tightly controlled manner. Accumulating evidence, based in part on effects seen after miRNA overexpression and/or knockdown, points to the critical involvement of miRNAs in kidney...

Internal Medicine

Removal of Dabigatran by Hemodialysis

Dabigatran is a newly available oral direct thrombin inhibitor approved for anticoagulation therapy to prevent strokes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Unlike warfarin, dabigatran's observed therapeutic window and minimal drug-to-drug interaction suggest that invasive laboratory testing and dose...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

MicroRNAs in Kidney Disease: An Emerging Understanding

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNA molecules that function by negatively regulating the expression of their target genes in a tightly controlled manner. Accumulating evidence, based in part on effects seen after miRNA overexpression and/or knockdown, points to the critical involvement of miRNAs in kidney...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Removal of Dabigatran by Hemodialysis

Dabigatran is a newly available oral direct thrombin inhibitor approved for anticoagulation therapy to prevent strokes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Unlike warfarin, dabigatran's observed therapeutic window and minimal drug-to-drug interaction suggest that invasive laboratory testing and dose...

Family Medicine

Effect of a High-Protein Diet on Kidney Function in Healthy Adults: Results From the OmniHeart Trial

Background: Consumption of a diet high in protein can cause glomerular hyperfiltration, a potentially maladaptive response, which may accelerate the progression of kidney disease. Study Design: An ancillary study of the OmniHeart trial, a randomized 3-period crossover feeding trial testing the effects of partial...

Internal Medicine

Effect of a High-Protein Diet on Kidney Function in Healthy Adults: Results From the OmniHeart Trial

Background: Consumption of a diet high in protein can cause glomerular hyperfiltration, a potentially maladaptive response, which may accelerate the progression of kidney disease. Study Design: An ancillary study of the OmniHeart trial, a randomized 3-period crossover feeding trial testing the effects of partial...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Effect of a High-Protein Diet on Kidney Function in Healthy Adults: Results From the OmniHeart Trial

Background: Consumption of a diet high in protein can cause glomerular hyperfiltration, a potentially maladaptive response, which may accelerate the progression of kidney disease. Study Design: An ancillary study of the OmniHeart trial, a randomized 3-period crossover feeding trial testing the effects of partial...

Family Medicine

Association Between Abnormal Myocardial Fatty Acid Metabolism and Cardiac-Derived Death Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Results From a Cohort Study in Japan

Background: Detecting myocardial ischemia in hemodialysis patients is crucial given the high incidence of silent ischemia and the high cardiovascular mortality rates. Abnormal myocardial fatty acid metabolism as determined by imaging with 123I-labeled BMIPP (β-methyl iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid) might be associated...

Family Medicine

Evaluation of Hypomagnesemia: Lessons From Disorders of Tubular Transport

Hypomagnesemia is a highly prevalent clinical condition affecting a large number of hospitalized patients. A decrease in systemic magnesium concentration may lead to impaired function of both neurologic and cardiovascular systems. The kidney has a pivotal role in magnesium handling by adjusting the urinary excretion of...

Family Medicine

IgG4-Related Tubulointerstitial Nephritis With Plasma Cell–Rich Renal Arteritis

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related tubulointerstitial nephritis is a newly recognized clinicopathologic entity that may occur as an isolated renal lesion or as part of a multisystem disorder. It is characterized by plasma cell–rich interstitial nephritis with abundant IgG4-positive plasma cells and IgG-dominant...

Family Medicine

Renal Cortical Infarction Following Treatment With Sumatriptan in a Kidney Allograft Recipient

Renal cortical infarction is a rare cause of acute kidney injury that results from inadequate blood flow to the kidney, most commonly as a consequence of thrombotic or embolic occlusion of the renal artery or profound hypoperfusion. We report the case of a 78-year-old female kidney transplant recipient who developed a...

Family Medicine

Retinopathy and Cognitive Impairment in Adults With CKD

Background10:30 Retinal microvascular abnormalities have been associated with cognitive impairment, possibly serving as a marker of cerebral small-vessel disease. This relationship has not been evaluated in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition associated with increased risk of both retinal pathology...

Internal Medicine

Association Between Abnormal Myocardial Fatty Acid Metabolism and Cardiac-Derived Death Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Results From a Cohort Study in Japan

Background: Detecting myocardial ischemia in hemodialysis patients is crucial given the high incidence of silent ischemia and the high cardiovascular mortality rates. Abnormal myocardial fatty acid metabolism as determined by imaging with 123I-labeled BMIPP (β-methyl iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid) might be associated...

Internal Medicine

Evaluation of Hypomagnesemia: Lessons From Disorders of Tubular Transport

Hypomagnesemia is a highly prevalent clinical condition affecting a large number of hospitalized patients. A decrease in systemic magnesium concentration may lead to impaired function of both neurologic and cardiovascular systems. The kidney has a pivotal role in magnesium handling by adjusting the urinary excretion of...

Internal Medicine

IgG4-Related Tubulointerstitial Nephritis With Plasma Cell–Rich Renal Arteritis

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related tubulointerstitial nephritis is a newly recognized clinicopathologic entity that may occur as an isolated renal lesion or as part of a multisystem disorder. It is characterized by plasma cell–rich interstitial nephritis with abundant IgG4-positive plasma cells and IgG-dominant...

Internal Medicine

Renal Cortical Infarction Following Treatment With Sumatriptan in a Kidney Allograft Recipient

Renal cortical infarction is a rare cause of acute kidney injury that results from inadequate blood flow to the kidney, most commonly as a consequence of thrombotic or embolic occlusion of the renal artery or profound hypoperfusion. We report the case of a 78-year-old female kidney transplant recipient who developed a...

Internal Medicine

Retinopathy and Cognitive Impairment in Adults With CKD

Background10:30 Retinal microvascular abnormalities have been associated with cognitive impairment, possibly serving as a marker of cerebral small-vessel disease. This relationship has not been evaluated in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition associated with increased risk of both retinal pathology...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Retinopathy and Cognitive Impairment in Adults With CKD

Background10:30 Retinal microvascular abnormalities have been associated with cognitive impairment, possibly serving as a marker of cerebral small-vessel disease. This relationship has not been evaluated in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition associated with increased risk of both retinal pathology...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Association Between Abnormal Myocardial Fatty Acid Metabolism and Cardiac-Derived Death Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Results From a Cohort Study in Japan

Background: Detecting myocardial ischemia in hemodialysis patients is crucial given the high incidence of silent ischemia and the high cardiovascular mortality rates. Abnormal myocardial fatty acid metabolism as determined by imaging with 123I-labeled BMIPP (β-methyl iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid) might be associated...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

IgG4-Related Tubulointerstitial Nephritis With Plasma Cell–Rich Renal Arteritis

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related tubulointerstitial nephritis is a newly recognized clinicopathologic entity that may occur as an isolated renal lesion or as part of a multisystem disorder. It is characterized by plasma cell–rich interstitial nephritis with abundant IgG4-positive plasma cells and IgG-dominant...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Renal Cortical Infarction Following Treatment With Sumatriptan in a Kidney Allograft Recipient

Renal cortical infarction is a rare cause of acute kidney injury that results from inadequate blood flow to the kidney, most commonly as a consequence of thrombotic or embolic occlusion of the renal artery or profound hypoperfusion. We report the case of a 78-year-old female kidney transplant recipient who developed a...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Evaluation of Hypomagnesemia: Lessons From Disorders of Tubular Transport

Hypomagnesemia is a highly prevalent clinical condition affecting a large number of hospitalized patients. A decrease in systemic magnesium concentration may lead to impaired function of both neurologic and cardiovascular systems. The kidney has a pivotal role in magnesium handling by adjusting the urinary excretion of...

Family Medicine

Induction and Maintenance Treatment of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Lupus nephritis accounts for ∼1% of patients starting dialysis therapy. Treatment regimens combining cyclophosphamide with steroids preserve kidney function but have significant side effects. Newer immunosuppressive agents may have improved toxicity profiles. Study Design: Systematic review and...

Internal Medicine

Induction and Maintenance Treatment of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Lupus nephritis accounts for ∼1% of patients starting dialysis therapy. Treatment regimens combining cyclophosphamide with steroids preserve kidney function but have significant side effects. Newer immunosuppressive agents may have improved toxicity profiles. Study Design: Systematic review and...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Induction and Maintenance Treatment of Proliferative Lupus Nephritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Lupus nephritis accounts for ∼1% of patients starting dialysis therapy. Treatment regimens combining cyclophosphamide with steroids preserve kidney function but have significant side effects. Newer immunosuppressive agents may have improved toxicity profiles. Study Design: Systematic review and...

Family Medicine

Estimating the Total Incidence of Kidney Failure in Australia Including Individuals Who Are Not Treated by Dialysis or Transplantation

Background: To date, incidence data for kidney failure in Australia have been available for only those who start renal replacement therapy (RRT). Information about the total incidence of kidney failure, including non–RRT-treated cases, is important to help understand the burden of kidney failure in the community and...

Family Medicine

The Perspectives of Adults Living With Peritoneal Dialysis: Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Background: Most patients with end-stage renal disease require dialysis to survive because they are unable to access kidney transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is recommended by some clinical practice guidelines as the dialysis treatment of choice for adults without significant comorbid conditions or those with...

Internal Medicine

Estimating the Total Incidence of Kidney Failure in Australia Including Individuals Who Are Not Treated by Dialysis or Transplantation

Background: To date, incidence data for kidney failure in Australia have been available for only those who start renal replacement therapy (RRT). Information about the total incidence of kidney failure, including non–RRT-treated cases, is important to help understand the burden of kidney failure in the community and...

Internal Medicine

The Perspectives of Adults Living With Peritoneal Dialysis: Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Background: Most patients with end-stage renal disease require dialysis to survive because they are unable to access kidney transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is recommended by some clinical practice guidelines as the dialysis treatment of choice for adults without significant comorbid conditions or those with...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

The Perspectives of Adults Living With Peritoneal Dialysis: Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Background: Most patients with end-stage renal disease require dialysis to survive because they are unable to access kidney transplantation. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is recommended by some clinical practice guidelines as the dialysis treatment of choice for adults without significant comorbid conditions or those with...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Estimating the Total Incidence of Kidney Failure in Australia Including Individuals Who Are Not Treated by Dialysis or Transplantation

Background: To date, incidence data for kidney failure in Australia have been available for only those who start renal replacement therapy (RRT). Information about the total incidence of kidney failure, including non–RRT-treated cases, is important to help understand the burden of kidney failure in the community and...

Family Medicine

Anuric Acute Kidney Injury in Neurofibromatosis 1

Neurofibromatosis is one of several genetic disorders characterized by hyperpigmented skin spots (café au lait spots) and multiple neurofibromas. It was first reported by Friedrich Daniel von Recklinghausen in 1882. There are 2 types of neurofibromatosis described in the literature: von Recklinghausen disease, or...

Internal Medicine

Anuric Acute Kidney Injury in Neurofibromatosis 1

Neurofibromatosis is one of several genetic disorders characterized by hyperpigmented skin spots (café au lait spots) and multiple neurofibromas. It was first reported by Friedrich Daniel von Recklinghausen in 1882. There are 2 types of neurofibromatosis described in the literature: von Recklinghausen disease, or...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Anuric Acute Kidney Injury in Neurofibromatosis 1

Neurofibromatosis is one of several genetic disorders characterized by hyperpigmented skin spots (café au lait spots) and multiple neurofibromas. It was first reported by Friedrich Daniel von Recklinghausen in 1882. There are 2 types of neurofibromatosis described in the literature: von Recklinghausen disease, or...

Family Medicine

Hemodialysis Access Usage Patterns in the Incident Dialysis Year and Associated Catheter-Related Complications

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) access is considered a critical and actionable determinant of morbidity, with a growing literature suggesting that initial HD access type is an important marker of long-term outcomes. Accordingly, we examined HD access during the incident dialysis period, focusing on infection risk and...

Family Medicine

Hemoglobin Stability in Patients With Anemia, CKD, and Type 2 Diabetes: An Analysis of the TREAT (Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events With Aranesp Therapy) Placebo Arm

Background: Sparse data are available about the natural history of hemoglobin (Hb) level trends in contemporary patients with anemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We intended to describe Hb level trends over time with no or minimal administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents....

Family Medicine

Pulmonary Hypertension in CKD

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease often associated with positive antinuclear antibody and high mortality. Pulmonary hypertension, which rarely is severe, occurs frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension ranges from 9%-39% in individuals with stage...

Internal Medicine

Hemodialysis Access Usage Patterns in the Incident Dialysis Year and Associated Catheter-Related Complications

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) access is considered a critical and actionable determinant of morbidity, with a growing literature suggesting that initial HD access type is an important marker of long-term outcomes. Accordingly, we examined HD access during the incident dialysis period, focusing on infection risk and...

Internal Medicine

Hemoglobin Stability in Patients With Anemia, CKD, and Type 2 Diabetes: An Analysis of the TREAT (Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events With Aranesp Therapy) Placebo Arm

Background: Sparse data are available about the natural history of hemoglobin (Hb) level trends in contemporary patients with anemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We intended to describe Hb level trends over time with no or minimal administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents....

Internal Medicine

Pulmonary Hypertension in CKD

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease often associated with positive antinuclear antibody and high mortality. Pulmonary hypertension, which rarely is severe, occurs frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension ranges from 9%-39% in individuals with stage...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Hemodialysis Access Usage Patterns in the Incident Dialysis Year and Associated Catheter-Related Complications

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) access is considered a critical and actionable determinant of morbidity, with a growing literature suggesting that initial HD access type is an important marker of long-term outcomes. Accordingly, we examined HD access during the incident dialysis period, focusing on infection risk and...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Pulmonary Hypertension in CKD

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease often associated with positive antinuclear antibody and high mortality. Pulmonary hypertension, which rarely is severe, occurs frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension ranges from 9%-39% in individuals with stage...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Hemoglobin Stability in Patients With Anemia, CKD, and Type 2 Diabetes: An Analysis of the TREAT (Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events With Aranesp Therapy) Placebo Arm

Background: Sparse data are available about the natural history of hemoglobin (Hb) level trends in contemporary patients with anemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We intended to describe Hb level trends over time with no or minimal administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents....

Family Medicine

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and Acute Kidney Injury Due to Excessive Auto–Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

Abdominal compartment syndrome is an under-recognized cause of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. We report a case of a patient with severe obstructive lung disease who, while intubated for respiratory failure, developed abdominal compartment syndrome and oliguric acute kidney injury due to air-trapping...

Family Medicine

Effect of Early Initiation of Dialysis on Cardiac Structure and Function: Results From the Echo Substudy of the IDEAL Trial

Background: Abnormalities of cardiac structure and function are common in patients undergoing dialysis, and cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in this group. Heart failure is a common clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease and is preceded by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). There are...

Family Medicine

Effects of Sodium Intake and Diet on Racial Differences in Urinary Potassium Excretion: Results From the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-Sodium Trial

Background: We previously showed that African Americans excreted less urinary potassium than whites, even while consuming similar diets in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial. We hypothesized that a low-sodium diet may eliminate these differences. Study Design: Data from the DASH-Sodium randomized...

Internal Medicine

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and Acute Kidney Injury Due to Excessive Auto–Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

Abdominal compartment syndrome is an under-recognized cause of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. We report a case of a patient with severe obstructive lung disease who, while intubated for respiratory failure, developed abdominal compartment syndrome and oliguric acute kidney injury due to air-trapping...

Internal Medicine

Effect of Early Initiation of Dialysis on Cardiac Structure and Function: Results From the Echo Substudy of the IDEAL Trial

Background: Abnormalities of cardiac structure and function are common in patients undergoing dialysis, and cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in this group. Heart failure is a common clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease and is preceded by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). There are...

Internal Medicine

Effects of Sodium Intake and Diet on Racial Differences in Urinary Potassium Excretion: Results From the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-Sodium Trial

Background: We previously showed that African Americans excreted less urinary potassium than whites, even while consuming similar diets in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial. We hypothesized that a low-sodium diet may eliminate these differences. Study Design: Data from the DASH-Sodium randomized...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Effects of Sodium Intake and Diet on Racial Differences in Urinary Potassium Excretion: Results From the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-Sodium Trial

Background: We previously showed that African Americans excreted less urinary potassium than whites, even while consuming similar diets in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial. We hypothesized that a low-sodium diet may eliminate these differences. Study Design: Data from the DASH-Sodium randomized...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Effects of Sodium Intake and Diet on Racial Differences in Urinary Potassium Excretion: Results From the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-Sodium Trial

Background: We previously showed that African Americans excreted less urinary potassium than whites, even while consuming similar diets in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial. We hypothesized that a low-sodium diet may eliminate these differences. Study Design: Data from the DASH-Sodium randomized...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Effect of Early Initiation of Dialysis on Cardiac Structure and Function: Results From the Echo Substudy of the IDEAL Trial

Background: Abnormalities of cardiac structure and function are common in patients undergoing dialysis, and cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in this group. Heart failure is a common clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease and is preceded by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). There are...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and Acute Kidney Injury Due to Excessive Auto–Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

Abdominal compartment syndrome is an under-recognized cause of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. We report a case of a patient with severe obstructive lung disease who, while intubated for respiratory failure, developed abdominal compartment syndrome and oliguric acute kidney injury due to air-trapping...

Family Medicine

ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis in Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause and is not commonly associated with kidney involvement. We describe 3 patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis with high disease activity who developed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated...

Family Medicine

Managing Older Adults With CKD: Individualized Versus Disease-Based Approaches

The last decade has seen the evolution and ongoing refinement of a disease-oriented approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Disease-oriented models of care assume a direct causal association between observed signs and symptoms and underlying disease pathophysiologic processes. Treatment plans target underlying...

Internal Medicine

ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis in Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause and is not commonly associated with kidney involvement. We describe 3 patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis with high disease activity who developed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated...

Internal Medicine

Managing Older Adults With CKD: Individualized Versus Disease-Based Approaches

The last decade has seen the evolution and ongoing refinement of a disease-oriented approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Disease-oriented models of care assume a direct causal association between observed signs and symptoms and underlying disease pathophysiologic processes. Treatment plans target underlying...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Managing Older Adults With CKD: Individualized Versus Disease-Based Approaches

The last decade has seen the evolution and ongoing refinement of a disease-oriented approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Disease-oriented models of care assume a direct causal association between observed signs and symptoms and underlying disease pathophysiologic processes. Treatment plans target underlying...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

ANCA-Associated Glomerulonephritis in Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause and is not commonly associated with kidney involvement. We describe 3 patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis with high disease activity who developed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated...

Ear, Nose and Throat

Salvage surgery of vestibular schwannoma after failed radiotherapy: The Gruppo Otologico experience and review of the literature

Objectives: The use of radiation therapy has largely widespread and becomes in many centers the preference modality of treatment for symptomatic patients who are old, medically unfit for surgical therapy, those who refuse surgery and in some recurrent or residual growing tumors. The risk of radiotherapy failure in the...

Ear, Nose and Throat

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic subjective dizziness: longer-term gains and predictors of disability

Purpose: The study sought to evaluate the longer-term effects of a brief cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention for patients with chronic subjective dizziness (CSD). In addition, it sought to identify predictors of longer-term disability in this group. Materials and methods: Forty-four patients with CSD...

Ear, Nose and Throat

Design and evaluation of tinnitus synthesis methods: From spectral to spatial matching

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate methods to help patients suffering from unilateral tinnitus synthesizing an auditory replica of their tinnitus. Materials and methods: Two semi-automatic methods (A and B) derived from the auditory threshold of the patient and a method (C) combining a pure tone and a...

Family Medicine

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic subjective dizziness: longer-term gains and predictors of disability

Purpose: The study sought to evaluate the longer-term effects of a brief cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention for patients with chronic subjective dizziness (CSD). In addition, it sought to identify predictors of longer-term disability in this group. Materials and methods: Forty-four patients with CSD...

Family Medicine

Design and evaluation of tinnitus synthesis methods: From spectral to spatial matching

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate methods to help patients suffering from unilateral tinnitus synthesizing an auditory replica of their tinnitus. Materials and methods: Two semi-automatic methods (A and B) derived from the auditory threshold of the patient and a method (C) combining a pure tone and a...

Family Medicine

Salvage surgery of vestibular schwannoma after failed radiotherapy: The Gruppo Otologico experience and review of the literature

Objectives: The use of radiation therapy has largely widespread and becomes in many centers the preference modality of treatment for symptomatic patients who are old, medically unfit for surgical therapy, those who refuse surgery and in some recurrent or residual growing tumors. The risk of radiotherapy failure in the...

Internal Medicine

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic subjective dizziness: longer-term gains and predictors of disability

Purpose: The study sought to evaluate the longer-term effects of a brief cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention for patients with chronic subjective dizziness (CSD). In addition, it sought to identify predictors of longer-term disability in this group. Materials and methods: Forty-four patients with CSD...

Internal Medicine

Design and evaluation of tinnitus synthesis methods: From spectral to spatial matching

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate methods to help patients suffering from unilateral tinnitus synthesizing an auditory replica of their tinnitus. Materials and methods: Two semi-automatic methods (A and B) derived from the auditory threshold of the patient and a method (C) combining a pure tone and a...

Internal Medicine

Salvage surgery of vestibular schwannoma after failed radiotherapy: The Gruppo Otologico experience and review of the literature

Objectives: The use of radiation therapy has largely widespread and becomes in many centers the preference modality of treatment for symptomatic patients who are old, medically unfit for surgical therapy, those who refuse surgery and in some recurrent or residual growing tumors. The risk of radiotherapy failure in the...

Ear, Nose and Throat

Contemporary management of pediatric lateral sinus thrombosis: A twenty year review

Objectives: A case of pediatric otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is reported, followed by a substantive literature review. Design: 104 patients were reviewed, culled from published case reports from 1993 to 2011 on the PubMed database. Methods: All full text case reports on the PubMed database from 1993 to 2011 with...

Family Medicine

Contemporary management of pediatric lateral sinus thrombosis: A twenty year review

Objectives: A case of pediatric otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is reported, followed by a substantive literature review. Design: 104 patients were reviewed, culled from published case reports from 1993 to 2011 on the PubMed database. Methods: All full text case reports on the PubMed database from 1993 to 2011 with...

Internal Medicine

Contemporary management of pediatric lateral sinus thrombosis: A twenty year review

Objectives: A case of pediatric otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is reported, followed by a substantive literature review. Design: 104 patients were reviewed, culled from published case reports from 1993 to 2011 on the PubMed database. Methods: All full text case reports on the PubMed database from 1993 to 2011 with...

Ear, Nose and Throat

Management of neck metastases in T2N0 lip squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Prophylactic neck dissection (PND) is indicated when the chance of occult lymph node metastases from head and neck tumors is significant. There is no consensus regarding which tumor size PND would be indicated in cases of lip cancer. Methods: A total of 139 patients with surgically treated lip cancer were...

Family Medicine

Management of neck metastases in T2N0 lip squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Prophylactic neck dissection (PND) is indicated when the chance of occult lymph node metastases from head and neck tumors is significant. There is no consensus regarding which tumor size PND would be indicated in cases of lip cancer. Methods: A total of 139 patients with surgically treated lip cancer were...

Internal Medicine

Management of neck metastases in T2N0 lip squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Prophylactic neck dissection (PND) is indicated when the chance of occult lymph node metastases from head and neck tumors is significant. There is no consensus regarding which tumor size PND would be indicated in cases of lip cancer. Methods: A total of 139 patients with surgically treated lip cancer were...

Ear, Nose and Throat

Intramuscular hemangioma of the scalene musculature masquerading as a paraganglioma: A case series

Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMHs) are uncommon benign vascular lesions, which develop in skeletal muscle. Herein, two cases of IMHs involving the cervical scalene musculature are presented. Such lesions are exceedingly rare, and can be difficult to distinguish from vagal paragangliomas based on clinical presentation,...

Ear, Nose and Throat

A case of necrotizing sialometaplasia involving bilateral parotid glands

Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the parotid gland is infrequent and can be mistaken as a malignant disease. Its etiology is thought to be an insufficient blood supply. Bilateral involvement of this disease in parotid glands has been rarely reported in the English literature. We report a case of necrotizing...

Family Medicine

A case of necrotizing sialometaplasia involving bilateral parotid glands

Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the parotid gland is infrequent and can be mistaken as a malignant disease. Its etiology is thought to be an insufficient blood supply. Bilateral involvement of this disease in parotid glands has been rarely reported in the English literature. We report a case of necrotizing...

Family Medicine

Intramuscular hemangioma of the scalene musculature masquerading as a paraganglioma: A case series

Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMHs) are uncommon benign vascular lesions, which develop in skeletal muscle. Herein, two cases of IMHs involving the cervical scalene musculature are presented. Such lesions are exceedingly rare, and can be difficult to distinguish from vagal paragangliomas based on clinical presentation,...

Internal Medicine

A case of necrotizing sialometaplasia involving bilateral parotid glands

Necrotizing sialometaplasia of the parotid gland is infrequent and can be mistaken as a malignant disease. Its etiology is thought to be an insufficient blood supply. Bilateral involvement of this disease in parotid glands has been rarely reported in the English literature. We report a case of necrotizing...

Internal Medicine

Intramuscular hemangioma of the scalene musculature masquerading as a paraganglioma: A case series

Intramuscular hemangiomas (IMHs) are uncommon benign vascular lesions, which develop in skeletal muscle. Herein, two cases of IMHs involving the cervical scalene musculature are presented. Such lesions are exceedingly rare, and can be difficult to distinguish from vagal paragangliomas based on clinical presentation,...

Internal Medicine

A Web-Based Application for Initial Screening of Living Kidney Donors: Development, Implementation and Evaluation

Most centers utilize phone or written surveys to screen candidates who self-refer to be living kidney donors. To increase efficiency and reduce resource utilization, we developed a web-based application to screen kidney donor candidates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of this web-based application....

Internal Medicine

External Inosculation as a Feature of Revascularization Occurs After Free Transplantation of Murine Liver Grafts

The induction of angiogenesis is essential for successful engraftment of freely transplanted cells or cellular composites. How to augment angiogenesis to ensure an appropriate viability of the grafts is still under investigation. This study evaluated the proangiogenic capability of different syngeneic free liver...

Internal Medicine

Late-Onset Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Lung Transplant Recipients: Can CMV Serostatus Guide the Duration of Prophylaxis?

Evidence supports the use of 12 months of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in all at-risk lung transplants; whether cytomegalovirus serostatus can be used to further optimize this duration remains to be determined. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if cytomegalovirus serostatus of both donor and...

Internal Medicine

The Effect of Everolimus Versus Mycophenolate Upon Proteinuria Following Kidney Transplant and Relationship to Graft Outcomes

Although mTOR inhibitor use has been associated with proteinuria in kidney transplant recipients, dose dependency and impact on allograft function are unknown. In a post hoc analysis, we compared rates of proteinuria 3 months posttransplant among everolimus (EVR) and mycophenolate (MPA) treatment arms and used a...

Transplantation

A Web-Based Application for Initial Screening of Living Kidney Donors: Development, Implementation and Evaluation

Most centers utilize phone or written surveys to screen candidates who self-refer to be living kidney donors. To increase efficiency and reduce resource utilization, we developed a web-based application to screen kidney donor candidates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of this web-based application....

Transplantation

The Effect of Everolimus Versus Mycophenolate Upon Proteinuria Following Kidney Transplant and Relationship to Graft Outcomes

Although mTOR inhibitor use has been associated with proteinuria in kidney transplant recipients, dose dependency and impact on allograft function are unknown. In a post hoc analysis, we compared rates of proteinuria 3 months posttransplant among everolimus (EVR) and mycophenolate (MPA) treatment arms and used a...

Transplantation

External Inosculation as a Feature of Revascularization Occurs After Free Transplantation of Murine Liver Grafts

The induction of angiogenesis is essential for successful engraftment of freely transplanted cells or cellular composites. How to augment angiogenesis to ensure an appropriate viability of the grafts is still under investigation. This study evaluated the proangiogenic capability of different syngeneic free liver...

Transplantation

Late-Onset Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Lung Transplant Recipients: Can CMV Serostatus Guide the Duration of Prophylaxis?

Evidence supports the use of 12 months of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in all at-risk lung transplants; whether cytomegalovirus serostatus can be used to further optimize this duration remains to be determined. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if cytomegalovirus serostatus of both donor and...

Anesthesiology

Investigation of phthalate release from tracheal tubes

Phthalates are chemicals used extensively in the manufacture of plastics for their desirable physical characteristics. In addition to enhancing the performance of plastics, phthalates have a number of undesirable effects, principally endocrine disruptor effects, that may have adverse effects on reproductive development...

Anesthesiology

The effect of inner tube placement on resistance and work of breathing through tracheostomy tubes: a bench test

To reduce the risk of tracheostomy tube blockage, a removable inner tube can be used. However, this will reduce the size of the lumen and will increase airflow resistance and work of breathing. The magnitude of this increase in workload is unknown. We undertook a bench test to measure the effect. A lung model was...

Anesthesiology

A randomised comparison of variable-frequency automated mandatory boluses with a basal infusion for patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labour and delivery

This trial was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of administering variable-frequency automated boluses at a rate proportional to the patient's needs with fixed continuous basal infusion in patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) during labour and delivery. We recruited a total of 102 parturients in...

Internal Medicine

A randomised comparison of variable-frequency automated mandatory boluses with a basal infusion for patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labour and delivery

This trial was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of administering variable-frequency automated boluses at a rate proportional to the patient's needs with fixed continuous basal infusion in patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) during labour and delivery. We recruited a total of 102 parturients in...

Internal Medicine

Investigation of phthalate release from tracheal tubes

Phthalates are chemicals used extensively in the manufacture of plastics for their desirable physical characteristics. In addition to enhancing the performance of plastics, phthalates have a number of undesirable effects, principally endocrine disruptor effects, that may have adverse effects on reproductive development...

Internal Medicine

The effect of inner tube placement on resistance and work of breathing through tracheostomy tubes: a bench test

To reduce the risk of tracheostomy tube blockage, a removable inner tube can be used. However, this will reduce the size of the lumen and will increase airflow resistance and work of breathing. The magnitude of this increase in workload is unknown. We undertook a bench test to measure the effect. A lung model was...

Anesthesiology

A double-blinded randomised controlled study of the value of sequential intravenous and oral magnesium therapy in patients with chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component

Persistent mechanical irritation of the nerve root sets up a series of events mediating sensitisation of the dorsal roots and dorsal horns in the spinal cord. Current evidence supports the role of magnesium in blocking central sensitisation through its effect on N-methyl–d-aspartate receptors. We studied the role of...

Internal Medicine

A double-blinded randomised controlled study of the value of sequential intravenous and oral magnesium therapy in patients with chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component

Persistent mechanical irritation of the nerve root sets up a series of events mediating sensitisation of the dorsal roots and dorsal horns in the spinal cord. Current evidence supports the role of magnesium in blocking central sensitisation through its effect on N-methyl–d-aspartate receptors. We studied the role of...

Anesthesiology

Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on the incidence of intra-operative awareness in Chinese patients undergoing breast cancer surgery during general anaesthesia

Intra-operative awareness can lead to serious adverse psychological consequences. We conducted a prospective, randomised, double-blinded trial in 920 patients undergoing breast cancer surgery under bispectral index-guided total intravenous anaesthesia to evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on...

Internal Medicine

Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on the incidence of intra-operative awareness in Chinese patients undergoing breast cancer surgery during general anaesthesia

Intra-operative awareness can lead to serious adverse psychological consequences. We conducted a prospective, randomised, double-blinded trial in 920 patients undergoing breast cancer surgery under bispectral index-guided total intravenous anaesthesia to evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on...

Anesthesiology

The effect of pre-procedure anxiety on sedative requirements for sedation during colonoscopy

This study investigated the effects of pre-procedural anxiety (assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory) on sedative requirements in 135 patients undergoing sedation for colonoscopy. Deep sedation was defined as loss of consciousness and no response to colonoscopy, and was achieved by target-controlled infusion of...

Internal Medicine

The effect of pre-procedure anxiety on sedative requirements for sedation during colonoscopy

This study investigated the effects of pre-procedural anxiety (assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory) on sedative requirements in 135 patients undergoing sedation for colonoscopy. Deep sedation was defined as loss of consciousness and no response to colonoscopy, and was achieved by target-controlled infusion of...

Anesthesiology

Patient-maintained propofol sedation using reaction time monitoring: a volunteer safety study

Previous volunteer studies of an effect-site controlled, patient-maintained sedation system using propofol have demonstrated a risk of over-sedation. We have incorporated a reaction-time monitor into the handset of the patient-maintained sedation system to add an individualised patient-feedback mechanism. This study...

Anesthesiology

The effect of propofol on patient reaction time and its relationship with loss of verbal contact before induction of anaesthesia

Increasing the calculated plasma concentration of propofol has been shown to increase choice reaction time and visual and auditory response times. We studied the relationship of reaction to a vibrating handset as the effect-site target-controlled propofol concentration was incrementally increased in 20 patients during...

Anesthesiology

A randomised comparison of InnoScope and Macintosh laryngoscope in simulated difficult tracheal intubation in manikins

We conducted a crossover randomised study to evaluate the performance of a novel optical stylet, the InnoScope, for tracheal intubation in simulated normal and difficult airways. Twenty-five anaesthetists attempted tracheal intubation on a SimMan 3G simulator using the InnoScope first followed by the Macintosh...

Internal Medicine

A randomised comparison of InnoScope and Macintosh laryngoscope in simulated difficult tracheal intubation in manikins

We conducted a crossover randomised study to evaluate the performance of a novel optical stylet, the InnoScope, for tracheal intubation in simulated normal and difficult airways. Twenty-five anaesthetists attempted tracheal intubation on a SimMan 3G simulator using the InnoScope first followed by the Macintosh...

Internal Medicine

Patient-maintained propofol sedation using reaction time monitoring: a volunteer safety study

Previous volunteer studies of an effect-site controlled, patient-maintained sedation system using propofol have demonstrated a risk of over-sedation. We have incorporated a reaction-time monitor into the handset of the patient-maintained sedation system to add an individualised patient-feedback mechanism. This study...

Internal Medicine

The effect of propofol on patient reaction time and its relationship with loss of verbal contact before induction of anaesthesia

Increasing the calculated plasma concentration of propofol has been shown to increase choice reaction time and visual and auditory response times. We studied the relationship of reaction to a vibrating handset as the effect-site target-controlled propofol concentration was incrementally increased in 20 patients during...

Anesthesiology

The location of paravertebral catheters placed using the landmark technique

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the location of paravertebral catheters that were placed using the classical landmark puncture technique and to correlate the distribution of contrast dye injected through the catheters with the extent of somatic block. Paravertebral catheter placement was...

Internal Medicine

The location of paravertebral catheters placed using the landmark technique

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the location of paravertebral catheters that were placed using the classical landmark puncture technique and to correlate the distribution of contrast dye injected through the catheters with the extent of somatic block. Paravertebral catheter placement was...

Anesthesiology

Tracheal intubation with a camera embedded in the tube tip (Vivasight™)

We studied tracheal intubation in manikins and patients with a camera embedded in the tip of the tracheal tube (Vivasight™). Four people in two teams and two individuals attempted intubation of a manikin through an i-gel™ 10 times each. The tracheas of 12 patients with a Mallampati grade of 1 were intubated with a...

Anesthesiology

A comparison of clinical practice guidelines for proximal femoral fracture

Clinical practice guidelines are designed to assist clinical decision-making by summarising evidence and forming recommendations. The number of available guidelines is vast and they vary in relevance and quality. We reviewed guidelines relevant to the management of a patient with a fractured neck of femur and explored...

Anesthesiology

Peripartum outcomes and anaesthetic management of parturients with moderate to complex congenital heart disease or pulmonary hypertension*

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of pregnancies among women with moderate to complex congenital heart disease or pulmonary hypertension over a 12-year period, resulting in a cohort of 107 cases in 65 women. Neuraxial analgesia or anaesthesia was provided in 84%, 89% and 95% of spontaneous vaginal, operative...

Anesthesiology

Arrhythmogenic risk of pulmonary artery catheterisation in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Many clinicians consider severe aortic stenosis to be a contraindication to pulmonary artery catheterisation, except during open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. This is due to the perceived high risk of arrhythmia, although the true incidence of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation remains unclear. We...

Anesthesiology

The McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope vs the Macintosh laryngoscope: a randomised, controlled trial in patients with a simulated difficult airway

We compared the McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope with the Macintosh laryngoscope in a simulated difficult airway, using manual in-line stabilisation in 88 anaesthestised patients of ASA physical status 1-2. The primary outcome was laryngoscopic view. Secondary outcomes included rates of successful tracheal...

Anesthesiology

A review of enhanced recovery for thoracic anaesthesia and surgery

During the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of thoracic surgical procedures carried out in the UK. The current financial climate dictates that more efficient use of resources is necessary to meet escalating demands on healthcare. One potential means to achieve this is through the...

Anesthesiology

The association of pre-operative physical fitness and physical activity with outcome after scheduled major abdominal surgery

We studied whether reported physical activity and measurements of fitness (hand, leg and inspiration) were associated with postoperative in-hospital mortality, length of stay and discharge destination in 169 patients after major oncological abdominal surgery. In multivariate analysis, adequate activity level (OR 5.5,...

Internal Medicine

A comparison of clinical practice guidelines for proximal femoral fracture

Clinical practice guidelines are designed to assist clinical decision-making by summarising evidence and forming recommendations. The number of available guidelines is vast and they vary in relevance and quality. We reviewed guidelines relevant to the management of a patient with a fractured neck of femur and explored...

Internal Medicine

A review of enhanced recovery for thoracic anaesthesia and surgery

During the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of thoracic surgical procedures carried out in the UK. The current financial climate dictates that more efficient use of resources is necessary to meet escalating demands on healthcare. One potential means to achieve this is through the...

Internal Medicine

Arrhythmogenic risk of pulmonary artery catheterisation in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Many clinicians consider severe aortic stenosis to be a contraindication to pulmonary artery catheterisation, except during open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. This is due to the perceived high risk of arrhythmia, although the true incidence of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation remains unclear. We...

Internal Medicine

Peripartum outcomes and anaesthetic management of parturients with moderate to complex congenital heart disease or pulmonary hypertension*

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of pregnancies among women with moderate to complex congenital heart disease or pulmonary hypertension over a 12-year period, resulting in a cohort of 107 cases in 65 women. Neuraxial analgesia or anaesthesia was provided in 84%, 89% and 95% of spontaneous vaginal, operative...

Internal Medicine

The association of pre-operative physical fitness and physical activity with outcome after scheduled major abdominal surgery

We studied whether reported physical activity and measurements of fitness (hand, leg and inspiration) were associated with postoperative in-hospital mortality, length of stay and discharge destination in 169 patients after major oncological abdominal surgery. In multivariate analysis, adequate activity level (OR 5.5,...

Internal Medicine

The McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope vs the Macintosh laryngoscope: a randomised, controlled trial in patients with a simulated difficult airway

We compared the McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope with the Macintosh laryngoscope in a simulated difficult airway, using manual in-line stabilisation in 88 anaesthestised patients of ASA physical status 1-2. The primary outcome was laryngoscopic view. Secondary outcomes included rates of successful tracheal...

Internal Medicine

Tracheal intubation with a camera embedded in the tube tip (Vivasight™)

We studied tracheal intubation in manikins and patients with a camera embedded in the tip of the tracheal tube (Vivasight™). Four people in two teams and two individuals attempted intubation of a manikin through an i-gel™ 10 times each. The tracheas of 12 patients with a Mallampati grade of 1 were intubated with a...

Anesthesiology

A randomised controlled trial of dexmedetomidine for suspension laryngoscopy

We randomly allocated 80 patients to intravenous dexmedetomidine (0.25, 0.5, or 1 μg.kg−1) or placebo 15 min before anaesthetic induction. Dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 1.0 μg.kg−1 significantly reduced the mean (95% CI) propofol effect-site concentrations by 0.83 (0.63–1.03) μg.ml−1, p = 0.001 and 1.29 (1.12–1.46) μg.ml−1,...

Internal Medicine

A randomised controlled trial of dexmedetomidine for suspension laryngoscopy

We randomly allocated 80 patients to intravenous dexmedetomidine (0.25, 0.5, or 1 μg.kg−1) or placebo 15 min before anaesthetic induction. Dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 1.0 μg.kg−1 significantly reduced the mean (95% CI) propofol effect-site concentrations by 0.83 (0.63–1.03) μg.ml−1, p = 0.001 and 1.29 (1.12–1.46) μg.ml−1,...

Anesthesiology

Comparison of peri-operative core temperature in obese and non-obese patients

Our aim was to compare peri-operative core temperatures and the incidence of hypothermia in obese and non-obese women with active forced-air warming. Twenty female patients scheduled for abdominal surgery were allocated to two groups according to body mass index. Ten obese (30.0–34.9 kg.m−2) and 10 non-obese (18.5–24.9...

Anesthesiology

Effect of table tilt on ligamentum flavum length measured using ultrasonography in pregnant women

The purpose of this study was to assess whether applying dorsal table tilt to a seated parturient positioned for neuraxial anaesthesia (i.e. facing laterally with her legs over the side of the table) increased the size of the target area for the neuraxial needle. We performed lumbar ultrasonography on 20 pregnant women...

Anesthesiology

Comparison of peri-operative core temperature in obese and non-obese patients

Our aim was to compare peri-operative core temperatures and the incidence of hypothermia in obese and non-obese women with active forced-air warming. Twenty female patients scheduled for abdominal surgery were allocated to two groups according to body mass index. Ten obese (30.0–34.9 kg.m−2) and 10 non-obese (18.5–24.9...

Anesthesiology

Evaluation of point-of-care haemoglobin measuring devices: a comparison of Radical-7™ pulse co-oximetry, HemoCue® and laboratory haemoglobin measurements in obstetric patients

We prospectively compared two point-of-care haemoglobin concentration measuring devices with laboratory measurements to determine their accuracy in women undergoing caesarean section delivery. The two devices were the Masimo Rainbow SET® Radical -7™ pulse co-oximeter and the HemoCue® HB 201+, which is a cuvette-type...

Anesthesiology

Effect of propofol on hypoxia re-oxygenation induced neuronal cell damage in vitro

Propofol may protect neuronal cells from hypoxia re-oxygenation injury, possibly via an antioxidant actions under hypoxic conditions. This study investigated the molecular effects of propofol on hypoxia-induced cell damage using a neuronal cell line. Cultured human IMR-32 cells were exposed to propofol (30 μm) and...

Anesthesiology

Comparison of the single-use Ambu® aScope™ 2 vs the conventional fibrescope for tracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilisation by a semirigid collar

Fibreoptic intubation remains a key technique for the management of difficult intubation. We randomly compared the second generation single-use Ambu® aScope™ 2 videoscope with a standard re-usable flexible intubating fibrescope in 50 tracheal intubations in patients with a difficult airway simulated by a semirigid...

Internal Medicine

Comparison of peri-operative core temperature in obese and non-obese patients

Our aim was to compare peri-operative core temperatures and the incidence of hypothermia in obese and non-obese women with active forced-air warming. Twenty female patients scheduled for abdominal surgery were allocated to two groups according to body mass index. Ten obese (30.0–34.9 kg.m−2) and 10 non-obese (18.5–24.9...

Internal Medicine

Comparison of peri-operative core temperature in obese and non-obese patients

Our aim was to compare peri-operative core temperatures and the incidence of hypothermia in obese and non-obese women with active forced-air warming. Twenty female patients scheduled for abdominal surgery were allocated to two groups according to body mass index. Ten obese (30.0–34.9 kg.m−2) and 10 non-obese (18.5–24.9...

Internal Medicine

Comparison of the single-use Ambu® aScope™ 2 vs the conventional fibrescope for tracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilisation by a semirigid collar

Fibreoptic intubation remains a key technique for the management of difficult intubation. We randomly compared the second generation single-use Ambu® aScope™ 2 videoscope with a standard re-usable flexible intubating fibrescope in 50 tracheal intubations in patients with a difficult airway simulated by a semirigid...

Internal Medicine

Effect of propofol on hypoxia re-oxygenation induced neuronal cell damage in vitro

Propofol may protect neuronal cells from hypoxia re-oxygenation injury, possibly via an antioxidant actions under hypoxic conditions. This study investigated the molecular effects of propofol on hypoxia-induced cell damage using a neuronal cell line. Cultured human IMR-32 cells were exposed to propofol (30 μm) and...

Internal Medicine

Effect of table tilt on ligamentum flavum length measured using ultrasonography in pregnant women

The purpose of this study was to assess whether applying dorsal table tilt to a seated parturient positioned for neuraxial anaesthesia (i.e. facing laterally with her legs over the side of the table) increased the size of the target area for the neuraxial needle. We performed lumbar ultrasonography on 20 pregnant women...

Internal Medicine

Evaluation of point-of-care haemoglobin measuring devices: a comparison of Radical-7™ pulse co-oximetry, HemoCue® and laboratory haemoglobin measurements in obstetric patients

We prospectively compared two point-of-care haemoglobin concentration measuring devices with laboratory measurements to determine their accuracy in women undergoing caesarean section delivery. The two devices were the Masimo Rainbow SET® Radical -7™ pulse co-oximeter and the HemoCue® HB 201+, which is a cuvette-type...

Anesthesiology

Assessment of block height for satisfactory spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

We investigated block heights that anaesthetists considered adequate for caesarean section to proceed under spinal anaesthesia. During 3 months, 15 obstetric anaesthetists recorded block height to touch, pinprick or cold when spinal anaesthesia was considered satisfactory for caesarean section to proceed. Median (IQR...

Anesthesiology

Assessment of block height for satisfactory spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

We investigated block heights that anaesthetists considered adequate for caesarean section to proceed under spinal anaesthesia. During 3 months, 15 obstetric anaesthetists recorded block height to touch, pinprick or cold when spinal anaesthesia was considered satisfactory for caesarean section to proceed. Median (IQR...

Anesthesiology

Modified patient-controlled remifentanil bolus delivery regimen for labour pain

To improve the analgesic efficiency and to simplify the administration of remifentanil for systemic analgesia in labour, we contrived a modified delivery regimen with a specific infusion profile and variable dosing and conducted a single-blind randomised crossover study to compare it with the previous ‘classical’...

Anesthesiology

The effect of intravenous lidocaine on laryngeal and respiratory reflex responses in anaesthetised children

We studied the effect of intravenous lidocaine on laryngeal and respiratory reflex responses in children anaesthetised with sevoflurane. We tested the hypothesis that the incidence of laryngospasm evoked by laryngeal stimulation is temporarily diminished after the administration of lidocaine. Forty children, aged...

Internal Medicine

Assessment of block height for satisfactory spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

We investigated block heights that anaesthetists considered adequate for caesarean section to proceed under spinal anaesthesia. During 3 months, 15 obstetric anaesthetists recorded block height to touch, pinprick or cold when spinal anaesthesia was considered satisfactory for caesarean section to proceed. Median (IQR...

Internal Medicine

Assessment of block height for satisfactory spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

We investigated block heights that anaesthetists considered adequate for caesarean section to proceed under spinal anaesthesia. During 3 months, 15 obstetric anaesthetists recorded block height to touch, pinprick or cold when spinal anaesthesia was considered satisfactory for caesarean section to proceed. Median (IQR...

Internal Medicine

Modified patient-controlled remifentanil bolus delivery regimen for labour pain

To improve the analgesic efficiency and to simplify the administration of remifentanil for systemic analgesia in labour, we contrived a modified delivery regimen with a specific infusion profile and variable dosing and conducted a single-blind randomised crossover study to compare it with the previous ‘classical’...

Internal Medicine

The effect of intravenous lidocaine on laryngeal and respiratory reflex responses in anaesthetised children

We studied the effect of intravenous lidocaine on laryngeal and respiratory reflex responses in children anaesthetised with sevoflurane. We tested the hypothesis that the incidence of laryngospasm evoked by laryngeal stimulation is temporarily diminished after the administration of lidocaine. Forty children, aged...

Anesthesiology

Comparison of non-invasive and invasive blood pressure in aeromedical care

Blood pressure measurement is an essential physiological measurement for all critically ill patients. Previous work has shown that non-invasive blood pressure is not an accurate reflection of invasive blood pressure measurement. In a transport environment, the effects of motion and vibration may make non-invasive blood...

Anesthesiology

A meta-analysis of magnesium for tetanus

Uncontrolled studies suggest that magnesium sulphate controls spasms in patients with established tetanus. We performed a meta-analysis of controlled trials that compared magnesium sulphate with placebo or diazepam for the treatment of patients with tetanus. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane clinical...

Anesthesiology

Comparison of non-invasive and invasive blood pressure in aeromedical care

Blood pressure measurement is an essential physiological measurement for all critically ill patients. Previous work has shown that non-invasive blood pressure is not an accurate reflection of invasive blood pressure measurement. In a transport environment, the effects of motion and vibration may make non-invasive blood...

Internal Medicine

A meta-analysis of magnesium for tetanus

Uncontrolled studies suggest that magnesium sulphate controls spasms in patients with established tetanus. We performed a meta-analysis of controlled trials that compared magnesium sulphate with placebo or diazepam for the treatment of patients with tetanus. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane clinical...

Internal Medicine

Comparison of non-invasive and invasive blood pressure in aeromedical care

Blood pressure measurement is an essential physiological measurement for all critically ill patients. Previous work has shown that non-invasive blood pressure is not an accurate reflection of invasive blood pressure measurement. In a transport environment, the effects of motion and vibration may make non-invasive blood...

Internal Medicine

Comparison of non-invasive and invasive blood pressure in aeromedical care

Blood pressure measurement is an essential physiological measurement for all critically ill patients. Previous work has shown that non-invasive blood pressure is not an accurate reflection of invasive blood pressure measurement. In a transport environment, the effects of motion and vibration may make non-invasive blood...

Anesthesiology

Changes in the photoplethysmogram with tracheal intubation and remifentanil concentration

Autonomic sympathetic activation, for instance following noxious stimuli, decreases the size and flattens the shape of the photoplethysmographic peripheral pulse waveform. We report a simple measure of the waveform shape, the ratio of mean-to-peak wave amplitude, for measuring nociception level during general...

Anesthesiology

A randomised crossover trial comparing a single-use polyvinyl chloride laryngeal mask airway with a single-use silicone laryngeal mask airway

We compared insertion rates of single-use polyvinyl chloride laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) vs single-use silicone LMAs in 72 anaesthetised patients. Both airways were produced by Flexicare Medical. Laryngeal mask airway insertion was successful on the first attempt in 68/72 (94%) polyvinyl chloride LMAs vs 64/72 (89%)...

Anesthesiology

Closed-loop double-vasopressor automated system to treat hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: a preliminary study

Hypotension occurs in most caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia, necessitating vasopressor administration. However, the optimal dosing regimen remains unclear. We have developed a novel vasopressor delivery system that automatically administers phenylephrine or ephedrine based on continuous non-invasive blood...

Internal Medicine

A randomised crossover trial comparing a single-use polyvinyl chloride laryngeal mask airway with a single-use silicone laryngeal mask airway

We compared insertion rates of single-use polyvinyl chloride laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) vs single-use silicone LMAs in 72 anaesthetised patients. Both airways were produced by Flexicare Medical. Laryngeal mask airway insertion was successful on the first attempt in 68/72 (94%) polyvinyl chloride LMAs vs 64/72 (89%)...

Internal Medicine

Changes in the photoplethysmogram with tracheal intubation and remifentanil concentration

Autonomic sympathetic activation, for instance following noxious stimuli, decreases the size and flattens the shape of the photoplethysmographic peripheral pulse waveform. We report a simple measure of the waveform shape, the ratio of mean-to-peak wave amplitude, for measuring nociception level during general...

Internal Medicine

Closed-loop double-vasopressor automated system to treat hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: a preliminary study

Hypotension occurs in most caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia, necessitating vasopressor administration. However, the optimal dosing regimen remains unclear. We have developed a novel vasopressor delivery system that automatically administers phenylephrine or ephedrine based on continuous non-invasive blood...

Anesthesiology

A comparison of the pelvic angle applied using lateral table tilt or a pelvic wedge at elective caesarean section

Lateral table tilt or a pelvic wedge are commonly used to reduce inferior vena cava compression during obstetric anaesthesia in the supine position. Direct measurement of pelvic angle allows individual assessment of the effectiveness of these manoeuvres in achieving a tilted position. We observed routine practice...

Anesthesiology

A comparison of the pelvic angle applied using lateral table tilt or a pelvic wedge at elective caesarean section

Lateral table tilt or a pelvic wedge are commonly used to reduce inferior vena cava compression during obstetric anaesthesia in the supine position. Direct measurement of pelvic angle allows individual assessment of the effectiveness of these manoeuvres in achieving a tilted position. We observed routine practice...

Internal Medicine

A comparison of the pelvic angle applied using lateral table tilt or a pelvic wedge at elective caesarean section

Lateral table tilt or a pelvic wedge are commonly used to reduce inferior vena cava compression during obstetric anaesthesia in the supine position. Direct measurement of pelvic angle allows individual assessment of the effectiveness of these manoeuvres in achieving a tilted position. We observed routine practice...

Anesthesiology

The impact on cardiac diagnosis and mortality of focused transthoracic echocardiography in hip fracture surgery patients with increased risk of cardiac disease: a retrospective cohort study

Hip fracture surgery is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity; heart disease is the leading cause and is often unrecognised and inadequately treated. Pre-operative focused transthoracic echocardiography by anaesthetists frequently influences management, but mortality outcome studies have not been...

Anesthesiology

A randomised comparison of two intranasal dexmedetomidine doses for premedication in children

We compared sedation levels in children following administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine. One hundred and sixteen children aged between 1 and 8 years were enrolled in this prospective, randomised trial. Children were assigned to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 μg.kg−1 (Group 1) or 2 μg.kg−1 (Group 2)....

Anesthesiology

A randomised comparison of two intranasal dexmedetomidine doses for premedication in children

We compared sedation levels in children following administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine. One hundred and sixteen children aged between 1 and 8 years were enrolled in this prospective, randomised trial. Children were assigned to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 μg.kg−1 (Group 1) or 2 μg.kg−1 (Group 2)....

Anesthesiology

The impact on cardiac diagnosis and mortality of focused transthoracic echocardiography in hip fracture surgery patients with increased risk of cardiac disease: a retrospective cohort study

Hip fracture surgery is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity; heart disease is the leading cause and is often unrecognised and inadequately treated. Pre-operative focused transthoracic echocardiography by anaesthetists frequently influences management, but mortality outcome studies have not been...

Anesthesiology

A comparison of intra-operative blood loss and acid–base balance between vasopressor and inotrope strategy during living donor liver transplantation: a randomised, controlled study

Administration of vasopressors or inotropes during liver transplant surgery is almost universal, as this procedure is often accompanied by massive haemorrhage, acid–base imbalance, and cardiovascular instability. However, the actual agents that should be used and the choice between a vasopressor and an inotrope...

Internal Medicine

A comparison of intra-operative blood loss and acid–base balance between vasopressor and inotrope strategy during living donor liver transplantation: a randomised, controlled study

Administration of vasopressors or inotropes during liver transplant surgery is almost universal, as this procedure is often accompanied by massive haemorrhage, acid–base imbalance, and cardiovascular instability. However, the actual agents that should be used and the choice between a vasopressor and an inotrope...

Internal Medicine

A randomised comparison of two intranasal dexmedetomidine doses for premedication in children

We compared sedation levels in children following administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine. One hundred and sixteen children aged between 1 and 8 years were enrolled in this prospective, randomised trial. Children were assigned to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 μg.kg−1 (Group 1) or 2 μg.kg−1 (Group 2)....

Internal Medicine

A randomised comparison of two intranasal dexmedetomidine doses for premedication in children

We compared sedation levels in children following administration of intranasal dexmedetomidine. One hundred and sixteen children aged between 1 and 8 years were enrolled in this prospective, randomised trial. Children were assigned to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine 1 μg.kg−1 (Group 1) or 2 μg.kg−1 (Group 2)....

Internal Medicine

The impact on cardiac diagnosis and mortality of focused transthoracic echocardiography in hip fracture surgery patients with increased risk of cardiac disease: a retrospective cohort study

Hip fracture surgery is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity; heart disease is the leading cause and is often unrecognised and inadequately treated. Pre-operative focused transthoracic echocardiography by anaesthetists frequently influences management, but mortality outcome studies have not been...

Internal Medicine

The impact on cardiac diagnosis and mortality of focused transthoracic echocardiography in hip fracture surgery patients with increased risk of cardiac disease: a retrospective cohort study

Hip fracture surgery is associated with a high rate of mortality and morbidity; heart disease is the leading cause and is often unrecognised and inadequately treated. Pre-operative focused transthoracic echocardiography by anaesthetists frequently influences management, but mortality outcome studies have not been...

Anesthesiology

A meta-analysis of the accuracy and precision of the ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM)

The ultrasonic cardiac output monitor is a non-invasive, continuous-wave Doppler monitor that can be used to measure cardiac output. Its accuracy and precision in peri-operative and critical care has been assessed with varied results. We conducted a meta-analysis to calculate a pooled mean bias, precision and...

Internal Medicine

A meta-analysis of the accuracy and precision of the ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM)

The ultrasonic cardiac output monitor is a non-invasive, continuous-wave Doppler monitor that can be used to measure cardiac output. Its accuracy and precision in peri-operative and critical care has been assessed with varied results. We conducted a meta-analysis to calculate a pooled mean bias, precision and...

Anesthesiology

A clinical evaluation of four non-Luer spinal needle and syringe systems

We performed an evaluation of non-Luer spinal devices supplied by four manufacturers or suppliers: Polymedic; Pajunk; Sarstedt; and Smiths. For each supplier, 100 evaluations were performed using a 25-G 90-mm spinal needle, 3-ml syringe, 5-ml syringe and filter needle; for comparison, 100 evaluations were performed...

Anesthesiology

The effect of beta-2 adrenergic receptor haplotype variations on the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery

We investigated whether genetic variations of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) modulate the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. We focused on the effects of haplotypes formed by combinations of the Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms. Clinical data from 143 healthy...

Anesthesiology

The effect of a cervical collar on the seal pressure of the LMA Supreme™: a prospective, crossover trial

For personnel inexperienced in airway management, supraglottic airway devices may be the first choice in an emergency. Changing head position is known to reduce the seal pressure of a laryngeal mask airway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a cervical collar improves the stability of airways...

Anesthesiology

A clinical evaluation of four non-Luer spinal needle and syringe systems

We performed an evaluation of non-Luer spinal devices supplied by four manufacturers or suppliers: Polymedic; Pajunk; Sarstedt; and Smiths. For each supplier, 100 evaluations were performed using a 25-G 90-mm spinal needle, 3-ml syringe, 5-ml syringe and filter needle; for comparison, 100 evaluations were performed...

Anesthesiology

The effect of beta-2 adrenergic receptor haplotype variations on the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery

We investigated whether genetic variations of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) modulate the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. We focused on the effects of haplotypes formed by combinations of the Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms. Clinical data from 143 healthy...

Anesthesiology

The effect of a cervical collar on the seal pressure of the LMA Supreme™: a prospective, crossover trial

For personnel inexperienced in airway management, supraglottic airway devices may be the first choice in an emergency. Changing head position is known to reduce the seal pressure of a laryngeal mask airway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a cervical collar improves the stability of airways...

Internal Medicine

A clinical evaluation of four non-Luer spinal needle and syringe systems

We performed an evaluation of non-Luer spinal devices supplied by four manufacturers or suppliers: Polymedic; Pajunk; Sarstedt; and Smiths. For each supplier, 100 evaluations were performed using a 25-G 90-mm spinal needle, 3-ml syringe, 5-ml syringe and filter needle; for comparison, 100 evaluations were performed...

Internal Medicine

A clinical evaluation of four non-Luer spinal needle and syringe systems

We performed an evaluation of non-Luer spinal devices supplied by four manufacturers or suppliers: Polymedic; Pajunk; Sarstedt; and Smiths. For each supplier, 100 evaluations were performed using a 25-G 90-mm spinal needle, 3-ml syringe, 5-ml syringe and filter needle; for comparison, 100 evaluations were performed...

Internal Medicine

The effect of a cervical collar on the seal pressure of the LMA Supreme™: a prospective, crossover trial

For personnel inexperienced in airway management, supraglottic airway devices may be the first choice in an emergency. Changing head position is known to reduce the seal pressure of a laryngeal mask airway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a cervical collar improves the stability of airways...

Internal Medicine

The effect of a cervical collar on the seal pressure of the LMA Supreme™: a prospective, crossover trial

For personnel inexperienced in airway management, supraglottic airway devices may be the first choice in an emergency. Changing head position is known to reduce the seal pressure of a laryngeal mask airway. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a cervical collar improves the stability of airways...

Internal Medicine

The effect of beta-2 adrenergic receptor haplotype variations on the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery

We investigated whether genetic variations of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) modulate the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. We focused on the effects of haplotypes formed by combinations of the Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms. Clinical data from 143 healthy...

Internal Medicine

The effect of beta-2 adrenergic receptor haplotype variations on the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery

We investigated whether genetic variations of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) modulate the haemodynamic response following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery. We focused on the effects of haplotypes formed by combinations of the Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms. Clinical data from 143 healthy...

Anesthesiology

Effect of hyperoxia and vascular occlusion on tissue oxygenation measured by near infra-red spectroscopy (InSpectra™): a volunteer study

Standard cardiorespiratory monitoring may fail to detect occult tissue ischaemia. This study assessed whether a near infra-red spectroscopy tissue oxygen saturation monitor (InSpectra™) could detect progressive peripheral tissue ischaemia and whether hyperoxia may confound tissue oxygen saturation measurement. Tissue...

Anesthesiology

Effect of hyperoxia and vascular occlusion on tissue oxygenation measured by near infra-red spectroscopy (InSpectra™): a volunteer study

Standard cardiorespiratory monitoring may fail to detect occult tissue ischaemia. This study assessed whether a near infra-red spectroscopy tissue oxygen saturation monitor (InSpectra™) could detect progressive peripheral tissue ischaemia and whether hyperoxia may confound tissue oxygen saturation measurement. Tissue...

Internal Medicine

Effect of hyperoxia and vascular occlusion on tissue oxygenation measured by near infra-red spectroscopy (InSpectra™): a volunteer study

Standard cardiorespiratory monitoring may fail to detect occult tissue ischaemia. This study assessed whether a near infra-red spectroscopy tissue oxygen saturation monitor (InSpectra™) could detect progressive peripheral tissue ischaemia and whether hyperoxia may confound tissue oxygen saturation measurement. Tissue...

Internal Medicine

Effect of hyperoxia and vascular occlusion on tissue oxygenation measured by near infra-red spectroscopy (InSpectra™): a volunteer study

Standard cardiorespiratory monitoring may fail to detect occult tissue ischaemia. This study assessed whether a near infra-red spectroscopy tissue oxygen saturation monitor (InSpectra™) could detect progressive peripheral tissue ischaemia and whether hyperoxia may confound tissue oxygen saturation measurement. Tissue...

Anesthesiology

Usability testing of a prototype Phone Oximeter with healthcare providers in high- and low-medical resource environments

To increase the use of pulse oximetry by capitalise on the wide availability of mobile phones, we have designed, developed and evaluated a prototype pulse oximeter interfaced to a mobile phone. Usability of this Phone Oximeter was tested as part of a rapid prototyping process. Phase 1 of the study (20 subjects) was...

Internal Medicine

Usability testing of a prototype Phone Oximeter with healthcare providers in high- and low-medical resource environments

To increase the use of pulse oximetry by capitalise on the wide availability of mobile phones, we have designed, developed and evaluated a prototype pulse oximeter interfaced to a mobile phone. Usability of this Phone Oximeter was tested as part of a rapid prototyping process. Phase 1 of the study (20 subjects) was...

Anesthesiology

Evaluation of the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for double-lumen tracheal tube insertion after failure using the Macintosh laryngoscope

We prospectively evaluated the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for insertion of double-lumen tracheal tubes in 48 consecutive patients who had been found to have an unanticipated Cormack and Lehane grade 3 (n = 43) and grade 4 (n = 5) laryngeal view and in whom two attempts at tracheal intubation using the Macintosh...

Anesthesiology

Pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with use of cardiopulmonary bypass

We conducted a study to assess pharmacokinetics of high-dose tranexamic acid for 24 h after administration of the drug in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. High-dose tranexamic acid involved a bolus of 30 mg.kg−1 infused over 15 min followed by a 16 mg.kg−1.h−1 infusion until chest...

Anesthesiology

Effects of sugammadex and rocuronium mast cell number and degranulation in rat liver

We investigated the effect of rocuronium- and sugammadex-induced mast cell increase and degranulation in rat portal triads. Forty-two rats, in six groups, received either rocuronium 1 mg.kg−1; sugammadex 15 mg.kg−1; sugammadex 100 mg.kg−1; rocuronium 1 mg.kg−1 and 5 min later, sugammadex 15 mg.kg−1; rocuronium 1...

Anesthesiology

Pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with use of cardiopulmonary bypass

We conducted a study to assess pharmacokinetics of high-dose tranexamic acid for 24 h after administration of the drug in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. High-dose tranexamic acid involved a bolus of 30 mg.kg−1 infused over 15 min followed by a 16 mg.kg−1.h−1 infusion until chest...

Anesthesiology

Evaluation of the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for double-lumen tracheal tube insertion after failure using the Macintosh laryngoscope

We prospectively evaluated the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for insertion of double-lumen tracheal tubes in 48 consecutive patients who had been found to have an unanticipated Cormack and Lehane grade 3 (n = 43) and grade 4 (n = 5) laryngeal view and in whom two attempts at tracheal intubation using the Macintosh...

Internal Medicine

Effects of sugammadex and rocuronium mast cell number and degranulation in rat liver

We investigated the effect of rocuronium- and sugammadex-induced mast cell increase and degranulation in rat portal triads. Forty-two rats, in six groups, received either rocuronium 1 mg.kg−1; sugammadex 15 mg.kg−1; sugammadex 100 mg.kg−1; rocuronium 1 mg.kg−1 and 5 min later, sugammadex 15 mg.kg−1; rocuronium 1...

Internal Medicine

Evaluation of the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for double-lumen tracheal tube insertion after failure using the Macintosh laryngoscope

We prospectively evaluated the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for insertion of double-lumen tracheal tubes in 48 consecutive patients who had been found to have an unanticipated Cormack and Lehane grade 3 (n = 43) and grade 4 (n = 5) laryngeal view and in whom two attempts at tracheal intubation using the Macintosh...

Internal Medicine

Evaluation of the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for double-lumen tracheal tube insertion after failure using the Macintosh laryngoscope

We prospectively evaluated the CEL-100 videolaryngoscopeTM for insertion of double-lumen tracheal tubes in 48 consecutive patients who had been found to have an unanticipated Cormack and Lehane grade 3 (n = 43) and grade 4 (n = 5) laryngeal view and in whom two attempts at tracheal intubation using the Macintosh...

Internal Medicine

Pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with use of cardiopulmonary bypass

We conducted a study to assess pharmacokinetics of high-dose tranexamic acid for 24 h after administration of the drug in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. High-dose tranexamic acid involved a bolus of 30 mg.kg−1 infused over 15 min followed by a 16 mg.kg−1.h−1 infusion until chest...

Internal Medicine

Pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with use of cardiopulmonary bypass

We conducted a study to assess pharmacokinetics of high-dose tranexamic acid for 24 h after administration of the drug in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. High-dose tranexamic acid involved a bolus of 30 mg.kg−1 infused over 15 min followed by a 16 mg.kg−1.h−1 infusion until chest...

Anesthesiology

The pre-emptive analgesic effect of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in a rat model of acute postoperative pain

We examined the pre-emptive analgesic effect of a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor in a rat surgical pain model and characterised the changes in cutaneous COX-2 around a surgical site. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were tested in the rats for three days after incision and skin tissues were collected for...

Internal Medicine

The pre-emptive analgesic effect of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in a rat model of acute postoperative pain

We examined the pre-emptive analgesic effect of a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor in a rat surgical pain model and characterised the changes in cutaneous COX-2 around a surgical site. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were tested in the rats for three days after incision and skin tissues were collected for...

Anesthesiology

Platelet mapping as part of modified thromboelastography (TEG®) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass

The platelet-mapping assay of the thromboelastograph was used to measure platelet aggregation and to examine the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on multiple platelet receptors and the role of altered receptor activity in postoperative bleeding. The percentage platelet aggregation for collagen, adenosine diphosphate...

Anesthesiology

A multicentre observational study of intra-operative ventilatory management during general anaesthesia: tidal volumes and relation to body weight

We conducted an observational prospective multicenter study to describe the practices of mechanical ventilation, to determine the incidence of use of large intra-operative tidal volumes (≥ 10 ml.kg−1 of ideal body weight) and to identify patient factors associated with this practice. Of the 2960 patients studied in 97...

Internal Medicine

A multicentre observational study of intra-operative ventilatory management during general anaesthesia: tidal volumes and relation to body weight

We conducted an observational prospective multicenter study to describe the practices of mechanical ventilation, to determine the incidence of use of large intra-operative tidal volumes (≥ 10 ml.kg−1 of ideal body weight) and to identify patient factors associated with this practice. Of the 2960 patients studied in 97...

Internal Medicine

Platelet mapping as part of modified thromboelastography (TEG®) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass

The platelet-mapping assay of the thromboelastograph was used to measure platelet aggregation and to examine the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on multiple platelet receptors and the role of altered receptor activity in postoperative bleeding. The percentage platelet aggregation for collagen, adenosine diphosphate...

Anesthesiology

An evaluation of the ability of leucocyte depletion filters to remove components of amniotic fluid

Haemorrhage remains an important cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Cell salvage carries a theoretical risk of amniotic fluid embolus syndrome and is too expensive for use in many parts of the world. To explore cheaper options, we investigated whether a leucocyte depletion filter alone removes components of pure...

Internal Medicine

An evaluation of the ability of leucocyte depletion filters to remove components of amniotic fluid

Haemorrhage remains an important cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Cell salvage carries a theoretical risk of amniotic fluid embolus syndrome and is too expensive for use in many parts of the world. To explore cheaper options, we investigated whether a leucocyte depletion filter alone removes components of pure...

Anesthesiology

Epidural catheter connectors: a laboratory-based comparison of the Portex Tuohy-Borst and EpiFuse™ designs

Disconnection of an epidural catheter from its connector may result in patient harm and commonly requires resiting of the epidural. Clamp-connector designs such as the novel Portex EpiFuse™ potentially offer an improved safety profile over screw-cap designs such as the Tuohy-Borst, but comparative studies are limited....

Anesthesiology

A national service evaluation of the impact of alcohol on admissions to Scottish intensive care units

Alcohol-related disease adversely affects the outcome of critically ill patients. The burden of this in Scotland is higher than elsewhere in the United Kingdom. In a prospective observational study of all patients admitted to the 24 intensive care units in Scotland we assessed the proportion of admissions in which...

Anesthesiology

Evaluation of radial and ulnar blood flow after radial artery cannulation with 20- and 22-gauge cannulae using duplex Doppler ultrasound

This study evaluated ulnar and radial artery blood flow after radial artery cannulation during general anaesthesia using Doppler ultrasound. A total of 80 patients were randomly assigned to receive radial artery cannulation with either a 20-G or 22-G cannula. Arterial diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic...

Anesthesiology

Modulation of pain sensation by stress-related testosterone and cortisol

Stress increases cortisol and decreases testosterone. It is not known whether pain is affected by stress-related testosterone. Therefore, we investigated whether stress can affect pain perception by decreasing testosterone and increasing cortisol. Pain thresholds, pain and anxiety ratings and salivary testosterone and...

Anesthesiology

The effect of the European Working Time Directive on anaesthetic working patterns and training

There is concern that the European Working Time Directive 2009 has led to reduced time available for training, and this study examined if this has been the case. For two identical six-month periods in 1999 (pre-Directive) and 2009 (post-Directive), weekly data were collected on the total number of sessions attended by...

Anesthesiology

A national service evaluation of the impact of alcohol on admissions to Scottish intensive care units

Alcohol-related disease adversely affects the outcome of critically ill patients. The burden of this in Scotland is higher than elsewhere in the United Kingdom. In a prospective observational study of all patients admitted to the 24 intensive care units in Scotland we assessed the proportion of admissions in which...

Anesthesiology

The effect of the European Working Time Directive on anaesthetic working patterns and training

There is concern that the European Working Time Directive 2009 has led to reduced time available for training, and this study examined if this has been the case. For two identical six-month periods in 1999 (pre-Directive) and 2009 (post-Directive), weekly data were collected on the total number of sessions attended by...

Anesthesiology

Modulation of pain sensation by stress-related testosterone and cortisol

Stress increases cortisol and decreases testosterone. It is not known whether pain is affected by stress-related testosterone. Therefore, we investigated whether stress can affect pain perception by decreasing testosterone and increasing cortisol. Pain thresholds, pain and anxiety ratings and salivary testosterone and...

Anesthesiology

Epidural catheter connectors: a laboratory-based comparison of the Portex Tuohy-Borst and EpiFuse™ designs

Disconnection of an epidural catheter from its connector may result in patient harm and commonly requires resiting of the epidural. Clamp-connector designs such as the novel Portex EpiFuse™ potentially offer an improved safety profile over screw-cap designs such as the Tuohy-Borst, but comparative studies are limited....

Anesthesiology

Evaluation of radial and ulnar blood flow after radial artery cannulation with 20- and 22-gauge cannulae using duplex Doppler ultrasound

This study evaluated ulnar and radial artery blood flow after radial artery cannulation during general anaesthesia using Doppler ultrasound. A total of 80 patients were randomly assigned to receive radial artery cannulation with either a 20-G or 22-G cannula. Arterial diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic...

Internal Medicine

A national service evaluation of the impact of alcohol on admissions to Scottish intensive care units

Alcohol-related disease adversely affects the outcome of critically ill patients. The burden of this in Scotland is higher than elsewhere in the United Kingdom. In a prospective observational study of all patients admitted to the 24 intensive care units in Scotland we assessed the proportion of admissions in which...

Internal Medicine

A national service evaluation of the impact of alcohol on admissions to Scottish intensive care units

Alcohol-related disease adversely affects the outcome of critically ill patients. The burden of this in Scotland is higher than elsewhere in the United Kingdom. In a prospective observational study of all patients admitted to the 24 intensive care units in Scotland we assessed the proportion of admissions in which...

Internal Medicine

Epidural catheter connectors: a laboratory-based comparison of the Portex Tuohy-Borst and EpiFuse™ designs

Disconnection of an epidural catheter from its connector may result in patient harm and commonly requires resiting of the epidural. Clamp-connector designs such as the novel Portex EpiFuse™ potentially offer an improved safety profile over screw-cap designs such as the Tuohy-Borst, but comparative studies are limited....

Internal Medicine

Epidural catheter connectors: a laboratory-based comparison of the Portex Tuohy-Borst and EpiFuse™ designs

Disconnection of an epidural catheter from its connector may result in patient harm and commonly requires resiting of the epidural. Clamp-connector designs such as the novel Portex EpiFuse™ potentially offer an improved safety profile over screw-cap designs such as the Tuohy-Borst, but comparative studies are limited....

Internal Medicine

Evaluation of radial and ulnar blood flow after radial artery cannulation with 20- and 22-gauge cannulae using duplex Doppler ultrasound

This study evaluated ulnar and radial artery blood flow after radial artery cannulation during general anaesthesia using Doppler ultrasound. A total of 80 patients were randomly assigned to receive radial artery cannulation with either a 20-G or 22-G cannula. Arterial diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic...

Internal Medicine

Evaluation of radial and ulnar blood flow after radial artery cannulation with 20- and 22-gauge cannulae using duplex Doppler ultrasound

This study evaluated ulnar and radial artery blood flow after radial artery cannulation during general anaesthesia using Doppler ultrasound. A total of 80 patients were randomly assigned to receive radial artery cannulation with either a 20-G or 22-G cannula. Arterial diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic...

Internal Medicine

Modulation of pain sensation by stress-related testosterone and cortisol

Stress increases cortisol and decreases testosterone. It is not known whether pain is affected by stress-related testosterone. Therefore, we investigated whether stress can affect pain perception by decreasing testosterone and increasing cortisol. Pain thresholds, pain and anxiety ratings and salivary testosterone and...

Internal Medicine

Modulation of pain sensation by stress-related testosterone and cortisol

Stress increases cortisol and decreases testosterone. It is not known whether pain is affected by stress-related testosterone. Therefore, we investigated whether stress can affect pain perception by decreasing testosterone and increasing cortisol. Pain thresholds, pain and anxiety ratings and salivary testosterone and...

Internal Medicine

The effect of the European Working Time Directive on anaesthetic working patterns and training

There is concern that the European Working Time Directive 2009 has led to reduced time available for training, and this study examined if this has been the case. For two identical six-month periods in 1999 (pre-Directive) and 2009 (post-Directive), weekly data were collected on the total number of sessions attended by...

Internal Medicine

The effect of the European Working Time Directive on anaesthetic working patterns and training

There is concern that the European Working Time Directive 2009 has led to reduced time available for training, and this study examined if this has been the case. For two identical six-month periods in 1999 (pre-Directive) and 2009 (post-Directive), weekly data were collected on the total number of sessions attended by...

Anesthesiology

A randomised controlled trial comparing sugammadex and neostigmine at different depths of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Deep neuromuscular blockade during certain surgical procedures may improve operating conditions. Sugammadex can be used to reverse deep neuromuscular blockade without waiting for spontaneous recovery. This randomised study compared recovery times from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg−1, using...

Internal Medicine

A randomised controlled trial comparing sugammadex and neostigmine at different depths of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Deep neuromuscular blockade during certain surgical procedures may improve operating conditions. Sugammadex can be used to reverse deep neuromuscular blockade without waiting for spontaneous recovery. This randomised study compared recovery times from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg−1, using...

Anesthesiology

A meta-analysis of prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: randomised controlled trials by Fujii et al. compared with other authors

The population sampling in randomised controlled trials by Fujii et al. have been shown to exhibit unusual distributions. This systematic review analysed the effectiveness of prophylactic antiemetics in trials by Fujii et al. compared with other authors. Granisetron was more effective in trials by Fujii et al.,...

Anesthesiology

Quantitative analysis of changes in blood concentrations and ‘presumed effect-site concentration’ of sevoflurane during one-lung ventilation

During one-lung ventilation, ventilation-perfusion mismatch decreases the arterial concentration of inhaled anaesthetics due to the arterial-to-venous concentration difference. This study tested the hypothesis that in humans, the ‘presumed effect-site concentration’ (taken as the mid-point between the arterial and...

Internal Medicine

A meta-analysis of prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: randomised controlled trials by Fujii et al. compared with other authors

The population sampling in randomised controlled trials by Fujii et al. have been shown to exhibit unusual distributions. This systematic review analysed the effectiveness of prophylactic antiemetics in trials by Fujii et al. compared with other authors. Granisetron was more effective in trials by Fujii et al.,...

Internal Medicine

Quantitative analysis of changes in blood concentrations and ‘presumed effect-site concentration’ of sevoflurane during one-lung ventilation

During one-lung ventilation, ventilation-perfusion mismatch decreases the arterial concentration of inhaled anaesthetics due to the arterial-to-venous concentration difference. This study tested the hypothesis that in humans, the ‘presumed effect-site concentration’ (taken as the mid-point between the arterial and...

Anesthesiology

Haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia

This study aimed to compare the haemodynamics in healthy pregnant women with the haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia, to determine the cardiovascular reason for hypertension in pre-eclampsia. 40 women with untreated pre-eclampsia, 40 matched healthy pregnant women and 20 non-pregnant women were studied...

Anesthesiology

Haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia

This study aimed to compare the haemodynamics in healthy pregnant women with the haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia, to determine the cardiovascular reason for hypertension in pre-eclampsia. 40 women with untreated pre-eclampsia, 40 matched healthy pregnant women and 20 non-pregnant women were studied...

Internal Medicine

Haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia

This study aimed to compare the haemodynamics in healthy pregnant women with the haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia, to determine the cardiovascular reason for hypertension in pre-eclampsia. 40 women with untreated pre-eclampsia, 40 matched healthy pregnant women and 20 non-pregnant women were studied...

Internal Medicine

Haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia

This study aimed to compare the haemodynamics in healthy pregnant women with the haemodynamics in women with untreated pre-eclampsia, to determine the cardiovascular reason for hypertension in pre-eclampsia. 40 women with untreated pre-eclampsia, 40 matched healthy pregnant women and 20 non-pregnant women were studied...

Anesthesiology

A multicentre observational study of intra-operative ventilatory management during general anaesthesia: tidal volumes and relation to body weight

We conducted an observational prospective multicenter study to describe the practices of mechanical ventilation, to determine the incidence of use of large intra-operative tidal volumes (≥ 10 ml.kg−1 of ideal body weight) and to identify patient factors associated with this practice. Of the 2960 patients studied in 97...

Internal Medicine

A multicentre observational study of intra-operative ventilatory management during general anaesthesia: tidal volumes and relation to body weight

We conducted an observational prospective multicenter study to describe the practices of mechanical ventilation, to determine the incidence of use of large intra-operative tidal volumes (≥ 10 ml.kg−1 of ideal body weight) and to identify patient factors associated with this practice. Of the 2960 patients studied in 97...

Anesthesiology

A randomised controlled trial comparing sugammadex and neostigmine at different depths of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Deep neuromuscular blockade during certain surgical procedures may improve operating conditions. Sugammadex can be used to reverse deep neuromuscular blockade without waiting for spontaneous recovery. This randomised study compared recovery times from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg−1, using...

Anesthesiology

A randomised controlled trial comparing sugammadex and neostigmine at different depths of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Deep neuromuscular blockade during certain surgical procedures may improve operating conditions. Sugammadex can be used to reverse deep neuromuscular blockade without waiting for spontaneous recovery. This randomised study compared recovery times from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg−1, using...

Internal Medicine

A randomised controlled trial comparing sugammadex and neostigmine at different depths of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Deep neuromuscular blockade during certain surgical procedures may improve operating conditions. Sugammadex can be used to reverse deep neuromuscular blockade without waiting for spontaneous recovery. This randomised study compared recovery times from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg−1, using...

Anesthesiology

A randomised controlled trial comparing two insertion techniques for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Flexible™ in patients undergoing dental surgery

The Laryngeal Mask Airway FlexibleTM (LMA Flexible) has been widely utilised for dental, ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology-related procedures. Our study evaluates two different techniques of inserting the LMA Flexible for patients undergoing day-case dental surgery. One hundred and eight patients were randomly...

Internal Medicine

A randomised controlled trial comparing two insertion techniques for the Laryngeal Mask Airway Flexible™ in patients undergoing dental surgery

The Laryngeal Mask Airway FlexibleTM (LMA Flexible) has been widely utilised for dental, ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology-related procedures. Our study evaluates two different techniques of inserting the LMA Flexible for patients undergoing day-case dental surgery. One hundred and eight patients were randomly...

Anesthesiology

A new technique for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (G-Trach): preliminary experience in pigs

Tracheostomies are currently used for airway management in patients requiring long-term respiratory assistance. The dilatational percutaneous technique of forming tracheostomies is a valuable alternative to traditional surgical ‘open’ techniques. In this study, we tested a new dilatational percutaneous tracheostomy...

Anesthesiology

A randomised comparison of the self-pressurised air-QTM intubating laryngeal airway with the LMA UniqueTM in children*

We conducted a randomised trial comparing the self-pressurised air-QTM intubating laryngeal airway (air-Q SP) with the LMA-Unique in 60 children undergoing surgery. Outcomes measured were airway leak pressure, ease and time for insertion, fibreoptic examination, incidence of gastric insufflation and complications....

Anesthesiology

Comparison of Macintosh and AirtraqTM laryngoscopes in obese patients placed in the ramped position

This study compared intubation conditions produced by the Macintosh and AirtraqTM laryngoscopes when used in obese patients in the ramped position. One hundred and thirty-two patients having bariatric surgery were placed in the ramped position and randomly assigned to have their tracheas intubated using either the...

Internal Medicine

A new technique for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (G-Trach): preliminary experience in pigs

Tracheostomies are currently used for airway management in patients requiring long-term respiratory assistance. The dilatational percutaneous technique of forming tracheostomies is a valuable alternative to traditional surgical ‘open’ techniques. In this study, we tested a new dilatational percutaneous tracheostomy...

Internal Medicine

A randomised comparison of the self-pressurised air-QTM intubating laryngeal airway with the LMA UniqueTM in children*

We conducted a randomised trial comparing the self-pressurised air-QTM intubating laryngeal airway (air-Q SP) with the LMA-Unique in 60 children undergoing surgery. Outcomes measured were airway leak pressure, ease and time for insertion, fibreoptic examination, incidence of gastric insufflation and complications....

Internal Medicine

Comparison of Macintosh and AirtraqTM laryngoscopes in obese patients placed in the ramped position

This study compared intubation conditions produced by the Macintosh and AirtraqTM laryngoscopes when used in obese patients in the ramped position. One hundred and thirty-two patients having bariatric surgery were placed in the ramped position and randomly assigned to have their tracheas intubated using either the...

Anesthesiology

Effect of positioning from supine and left lateral positions to left lateral tilt on maternal blood flow velocities and waveforms in full-term parturients

Positioning the parturient from supine to the left lateral tilt position (supine-to-tilt) may not effectively displace the gravid uterus, but turning from the left lateral position to the left lateral tilt position (left lateral-to-tilt) may keep the gravid uterus displaced and prevent aortocaval compression. Fifty-one...

Internal Medicine

Effect of positioning from supine and left lateral positions to left lateral tilt on maternal blood flow velocities and waveforms in full-term parturients

Positioning the parturient from supine to the left lateral tilt position (supine-to-tilt) may not effectively displace the gravid uterus, but turning from the left lateral position to the left lateral tilt position (left lateral-to-tilt) may keep the gravid uterus displaced and prevent aortocaval compression. Fifty-one...

Anesthesiology

Anaphylaxis admissions to UK critical care units between 2005 and 2009

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that may necessitate admission to a critical care unit. There are no reports of the frequency of admission to critical care units for patients with anaphylaxis or indeed any description of their demographic characteristics or outcomes. We analysed all physician-diagnosed...

Anesthesiology

Removal of the stylet from the tracheal tube: effect of lubrication

We compared the work needed to retract a non-lubricated and a lubricated stylet from a tracheal tube over 24 h. Stylets were lubricated with sterile water, silicone fluid, lidocaine spray, lidocaine gel, MedPro® lubricating gel or Lacri-Lube®. The mean (SD) work in joules needed to retract the stylet by 5 cm from the...

Anesthesiology

Utility of Nociceptive Flexion Reflex Threshold, Bispectral Index, Composite Variability Index and Noxious Stimulation Response Index as measures for nociception during general anaesthesia

Movement and haemodynamic responses to noxious stimuli during general anaesthesia are regarded as signs of nociception. We compared the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex Threshold (NFRT), Bispectral Index (BIS), Composite Variability Index (CVI), Noxious Stimulation Response Index (NSRI) and the calculated...

Anesthesiology

Extended release formulations for local anaesthetic agents

Systemic toxicity through overdose of local anaesthetic agents is a real concern. By encapsulating local anaesthetics in biodegradable carriers to produce a system for prolonged release, their duration of action can be extended. This encapsulation should also improve the safety profile of the local anaesthetic as it is...

Internal Medicine

Anaphylaxis admissions to UK critical care units between 2005 and 2009

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that may necessitate admission to a critical care unit. There are no reports of the frequency of admission to critical care units for patients with anaphylaxis or indeed any description of their demographic characteristics or outcomes. We analysed all physician-diagnosed...

Internal Medicine

Extended release formulations for local anaesthetic agents

Systemic toxicity through overdose of local anaesthetic agents is a real concern. By encapsulating local anaesthetics in biodegradable carriers to produce a system for prolonged release, their duration of action can be extended. This encapsulation should also improve the safety profile of the local anaesthetic as it is...

Internal Medicine

Removal of the stylet from the tracheal tube: effect of lubrication

We compared the work needed to retract a non-lubricated and a lubricated stylet from a tracheal tube over 24 h. Stylets were lubricated with sterile water, silicone fluid, lidocaine spray, lidocaine gel, MedPro® lubricating gel or Lacri-Lube®. The mean (SD) work in joules needed to retract the stylet by 5 cm from the...

Internal Medicine

Utility of Nociceptive Flexion Reflex Threshold, Bispectral Index, Composite Variability Index and Noxious Stimulation Response Index as measures for nociception during general anaesthesia

Movement and haemodynamic responses to noxious stimuli during general anaesthesia are regarded as signs of nociception. We compared the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex Threshold (NFRT), Bispectral Index (BIS), Composite Variability Index (CVI), Noxious Stimulation Response Index (NSRI) and the calculated...

Anesthesiology

Use of the pre-operative shuttle walk test to predict morbidity and mortality after elective major colorectal surgery

High-risk surgery is performed in every acute hospital. These patients often have increased peri-operative risk related to their poor cardiorespiratory reserve. Formal risk assessment is recommended for such patients; cardiopulmonary exercise testing is a well established triage tool, but is unavailable in many...

Internal Medicine

Use of the pre-operative shuttle walk test to predict morbidity and mortality after elective major colorectal surgery

High-risk surgery is performed in every acute hospital. These patients often have increased peri-operative risk related to their poor cardiorespiratory reserve. Formal risk assessment is recommended for such patients; cardiopulmonary exercise testing is a well established triage tool, but is unavailable in many...

Anesthesiology

Fluid balance monitoring by cuff-occluded rate of rise of peripheral venous pressure in haemodialysis patients

Cuff-occluded rate of rise of peripheral venous pressure has been proposed to reflect volume changes in experimental studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in cuff-occluded rate of rise of peripheral venous pressure associated with fluid removal by haemodialysis in six adult patients with chronic renal...

Internal Medicine

Fluid balance monitoring by cuff-occluded rate of rise of peripheral venous pressure in haemodialysis patients

Cuff-occluded rate of rise of peripheral venous pressure has been proposed to reflect volume changes in experimental studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in cuff-occluded rate of rise of peripheral venous pressure associated with fluid removal by haemodialysis in six adult patients with chronic renal...

Anesthesiology

Effects of magnesium sulphate on postoperative coagulation, measured by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®)*

We investigated the effects of magnesium sulphate on blood coagulation profiles using rotational thromboelastometry in gynaecological patients undergoing pelviscopic surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to the magnesium group (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The magnesium group received magnesium sulphate...

Anesthesiology

Closed and open breathing circuit function in healthy volunteers during exercise at Mount Everest base camp (5300 m)

We present a randomised, controlled, crossover trial of the Caudwell Xtreme Everest (CXE) closed circuit breathing system vs an open circuit and ambient air control in six healthy, hypoxic volunteers at rest and exercise at Everest Base Camp, at 5300 m. Compared with control, arterial oxygen saturations were improved...

Internal Medicine

Closed and open breathing circuit function in healthy volunteers during exercise at Mount Everest base camp (5300 m)

We present a randomised, controlled, crossover trial of the Caudwell Xtreme Everest (CXE) closed circuit breathing system vs an open circuit and ambient air control in six healthy, hypoxic volunteers at rest and exercise at Everest Base Camp, at 5300 m. Compared with control, arterial oxygen saturations were improved...

Internal Medicine

Effects of magnesium sulphate on postoperative coagulation, measured by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®)*

We investigated the effects of magnesium sulphate on blood coagulation profiles using rotational thromboelastometry in gynaecological patients undergoing pelviscopic surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to the magnesium group (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The magnesium group received magnesium sulphate...

Anesthesiology

Is ‘starting on time’ useful (or useless) as a surrogate measure for ‘surgical theatre efficiency’?

We analysed more than 7000 theatre lists from two similar UK hospitals, to assess whether start times and finish times were correlated. We also analysed gap times (the time between patients when no anaesthesia or surgery occurs), to see whether these affected theatre efficiency. Operating list start and finish times...

Anesthesiology

Novice performance of ultrasound-guided needle advancement: standard 38-mm transducer vs 25-mm hockey stick transducer

The optimal method to develop expertise in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia is unknown. Studies of laryngoscopic expertise in novices demonstrate that the choice of laryngoscope affects performance. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of two different linear array transducers (38-mm standard vs 25-mm...

Anesthesiology

Evaluation of a new analyser for rapid measurement of blood propofol concentration during cardiac surgery

We report laboratory and clinical evaluations of a blood propofol concentration analyser. Laboratory experiments used volunteer blood spiked with known propofol concentrations over the clinically relevant concentrations from 0.5 to 16 μg.ml−1 to assess linearity and the influence of haematocrit and concurrent drug...

Anesthesiology

A comparison of the Pentax Airway Scope™ with the Airtraq™ in an infant manikin

We compared the Pentax Airway ScopeTM with the AirtraqTM optical laryngoscope in an infant manikin. Twenty-three anaesthetists randomly performed tracheal intubation: at rest, (a) with the Airway Scope and (b) with the Airtraq; and during chest compressions, (c) with the Airway Scope and (d) with the Airtraq. The...

Internal Medicine

A comparison of the Pentax Airway Scope™ with the Airtraq™ in an infant manikin

We compared the Pentax Airway ScopeTM with the AirtraqTM optical laryngoscope in an infant manikin. Twenty-three anaesthetists randomly performed tracheal intubation: at rest, (a) with the Airway Scope and (b) with the Airtraq; and during chest compressions, (c) with the Airway Scope and (d) with the Airtraq. The...

Internal Medicine

Evaluation of a new analyser for rapid measurement of blood propofol concentration during cardiac surgery

We report laboratory and clinical evaluations of a blood propofol concentration analyser. Laboratory experiments used volunteer blood spiked with known propofol concentrations over the clinically relevant concentrations from 0.5 to 16 μg.ml−1 to assess linearity and the influence of haematocrit and concurrent drug...

Internal Medicine

Is ‘starting on time’ useful (or useless) as a surrogate measure for ‘surgical theatre efficiency’?

We analysed more than 7000 theatre lists from two similar UK hospitals, to assess whether start times and finish times were correlated. We also analysed gap times (the time between patients when no anaesthesia or surgery occurs), to see whether these affected theatre efficiency. Operating list start and finish times...

Internal Medicine

Novice performance of ultrasound-guided needle advancement: standard 38-mm transducer vs 25-mm hockey stick transducer

The optimal method to develop expertise in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia is unknown. Studies of laryngoscopic expertise in novices demonstrate that the choice of laryngoscope affects performance. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of two different linear array transducers (38-mm standard vs 25-mm...

Critical Care/Intensive Care

Fluid balance and non-respiratory functions of the lung

The primary function of the lung is gas exchange between alveolar gas and the blood flowing through the nearby capillaries. This stage of gas exchange takes place by diffusion. Because gases such as oxygen diffuse relatively slowly through liquids it is essential that the fluid barrier is kept as short as possible....

Internal Medicine

Fluid balance and non-respiratory functions of the lung

The primary function of the lung is gas exchange between alveolar gas and the blood flowing through the nearby capillaries. This stage of gas exchange takes place by diffusion. Because gases such as oxygen diffuse relatively slowly through liquids it is essential that the fluid barrier is kept as short as possible....

Family Medicine

Erectile dysfunction in heart failure patients: a critical reappraisal

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with a constantly increasing incidence and prevalence in western countries. Total absence of sexual activity is registered in 30% of HF patients. Moreover, HF-induced reduction in exercise tolerance, side effects of HF medications and the coexistence of shared risk...

Internal Medicine

Erectile dysfunction in heart failure patients: a critical reappraisal

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with a constantly increasing incidence and prevalence in western countries. Total absence of sexual activity is registered in 30% of HF patients. Moreover, HF-induced reduction in exercise tolerance, side effects of HF medications and the coexistence of shared risk...

Men's Health/Andrology

Erectile dysfunction in heart failure patients: a critical reappraisal

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with a constantly increasing incidence and prevalence in western countries. Total absence of sexual activity is registered in 30% of HF patients. Moreover, HF-induced reduction in exercise tolerance, side effects of HF medications and the coexistence of shared risk...

Family Medicine

A guanidinylated bioreducible polymer as a novel gene carrier to the corpus cavernosum of mice with high-cholesterol diet-induced erectile dysfunction

A prerequisite for the successful clinical application of gene therapy in erectile dysfunction (ED) is the availability of safe and efficient gene delivery systems. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of guanidinylated bioreducible polymer (GBP) polyplexes for gene delivery systems, which take...

Family Medicine

Genome-wide identification of Sox8-, and Sox9-dependent genes during early post-natal testis development in the mouse

The SOX8 and SOX9 transcription factors are involved in, among others, sex differentiation, male gonad development and adult maintenance of spermatogenesis. Sox8−/− mice lacking Sox9 in Sertoli cells fail to form testis cords and cannot establish spermatogenesis. Although genetic and histological data show an important...

Family Medicine

On methods for the detection of reactive oxygen species generation by human spermatozoa: analysis of the cellular responses to catechol oestrogen, lipid aldehyde, menadione and arachidonic acid

Oxidative stress is known to have a major impact on human sperm function and, as a result, there is a need to develop sensitive methods for measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by these cells. A variety of techniques have been developed for this purpose including chemiluminescence (luminol and lucigenin),...

Family Medicine

Osteocalcin is associated with testosterone in the general population and selected patients with bone disorders

Research in the last decade has revealed that bone is not only a target tissue for numerous circulating hormones but functions as an endocrine organ itself. As a recent study demonstrated a stimulatory effect of the osteoblast-derived hormone osteocalcin (OCN) on testosterone production in mice, we investigated whether...

Family Medicine

Posthumous sperm utilization in men presenting for sperm banking: an analysis of patient choice

The question remains as to whether or not men would agree to posthumous sperm use for pregnancy initiation. Often, these individuals' lives are suddenly interrupted and prior consent is rarely given. Therefore, post-mortem retrieval or use of these spermatozoa remains controversial and the incidence of consent for...

Family Medicine

Seminal, ultrasound and psychobiological parameters correlate with metabolic syndrome in male members of infertile couples

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a diagnostic category which identifies subjects at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, erectile dysfunction (ED) and male hypogonadism. However, MetS impact on male infertility has been poorly studied. We systematically evaluated possible associations between MetS and...

Family Medicine

Sexual intercourse with leucocytospermic men may be a possible booster of oxidative stress in female partners of infertile couples

Human semen has undoubtedly significant influence on the organism of the female counterpart. At the same time there are no studies in English literature investigating the influence of sexual intercourse on oxidative stress level in women's organism. Seventeen infertile couples where male partners were with (n = 5) or...

Internal Medicine

A guanidinylated bioreducible polymer as a novel gene carrier to the corpus cavernosum of mice with high-cholesterol diet-induced erectile dysfunction

A prerequisite for the successful clinical application of gene therapy in erectile dysfunction (ED) is the availability of safe and efficient gene delivery systems. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of guanidinylated bioreducible polymer (GBP) polyplexes for gene delivery systems, which take...

Internal Medicine

Genome-wide identification of Sox8-, and Sox9-dependent genes during early post-natal testis development in the mouse

The SOX8 and SOX9 transcription factors are involved in, among others, sex differentiation, male gonad development and adult maintenance of spermatogenesis. Sox8−/− mice lacking Sox9 in Sertoli cells fail to form testis cords and cannot establish spermatogenesis. Although genetic and histological data show an important...

Internal Medicine

On methods for the detection of reactive oxygen species generation by human spermatozoa: analysis of the cellular responses to catechol oestrogen, lipid aldehyde, menadione and arachidonic acid

Oxidative stress is known to have a major impact on human sperm function and, as a result, there is a need to develop sensitive methods for measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by these cells. A variety of techniques have been developed for this purpose including chemiluminescence (luminol and lucigenin),...

Internal Medicine

Osteocalcin is associated with testosterone in the general population and selected patients with bone disorders

Research in the last decade has revealed that bone is not only a target tissue for numerous circulating hormones but functions as an endocrine organ itself. As a recent study demonstrated a stimulatory effect of the osteoblast-derived hormone osteocalcin (OCN) on testosterone production in mice, we investigated whether...

Internal Medicine

Posthumous sperm utilization in men presenting for sperm banking: an analysis of patient choice

The question remains as to whether or not men would agree to posthumous sperm use for pregnancy initiation. Often, these individuals' lives are suddenly interrupted and prior consent is rarely given. Therefore, post-mortem retrieval or use of these spermatozoa remains controversial and the incidence of consent for...

Internal Medicine

Seminal, ultrasound and psychobiological parameters correlate with metabolic syndrome in male members of infertile couples

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a diagnostic category which identifies subjects at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, erectile dysfunction (ED) and male hypogonadism. However, MetS impact on male infertility has been poorly studied. We systematically evaluated possible associations between MetS and...

Internal Medicine

Sexual intercourse with leucocytospermic men may be a possible booster of oxidative stress in female partners of infertile couples

Human semen has undoubtedly significant influence on the organism of the female counterpart. At the same time there are no studies in English literature investigating the influence of sexual intercourse on oxidative stress level in women's organism. Seventeen infertile couples where male partners were with (n = 5) or...

Men's Health/Andrology

Seminal, ultrasound and psychobiological parameters correlate with metabolic syndrome in male members of infertile couples

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a diagnostic category which identifies subjects at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, erectile dysfunction (ED) and male hypogonadism. However, MetS impact on male infertility has been poorly studied. We systematically evaluated possible associations between MetS and...

Men's Health/Andrology

Genome-wide identification of Sox8-, and Sox9-dependent genes during early post-natal testis development in the mouse

The SOX8 and SOX9 transcription factors are involved in, among others, sex differentiation, male gonad development and adult maintenance of spermatogenesis. Sox8−/− mice lacking Sox9 in Sertoli cells fail to form testis cords and cannot establish spermatogenesis. Although genetic and histological data show an important...

Men's Health/Andrology

A guanidinylated bioreducible polymer as a novel gene carrier to the corpus cavernosum of mice with high-cholesterol diet-induced erectile dysfunction

A prerequisite for the successful clinical application of gene therapy in erectile dysfunction (ED) is the availability of safe and efficient gene delivery systems. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of guanidinylated bioreducible polymer (GBP) polyplexes for gene delivery systems, which take...

Men's Health/Andrology

Sexual intercourse with leucocytospermic men may be a possible booster of oxidative stress in female partners of infertile couples

Human semen has undoubtedly significant influence on the organism of the female counterpart. At the same time there are no studies in English literature investigating the influence of sexual intercourse on oxidative stress level in women's organism. Seventeen infertile couples where male partners were with (n = 5) or...

Men's Health/Andrology

On methods for the detection of reactive oxygen species generation by human spermatozoa: analysis of the cellular responses to catechol oestrogen, lipid aldehyde, menadione and arachidonic acid

Oxidative stress is known to have a major impact on human sperm function and, as a result, there is a need to develop sensitive methods for measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by these cells. A variety of techniques have been developed for this purpose including chemiluminescence (luminol and lucigenin),...

Men's Health/Andrology

Posthumous sperm utilization in men presenting for sperm banking: an analysis of patient choice

The question remains as to whether or not men would agree to posthumous sperm use for pregnancy initiation. Often, these individuals' lives are suddenly interrupted and prior consent is rarely given. Therefore, post-mortem retrieval or use of these spermatozoa remains controversial and the incidence of consent for...

Men's Health/Andrology

Osteocalcin is associated with testosterone in the general population and selected patients with bone disorders

Research in the last decade has revealed that bone is not only a target tissue for numerous circulating hormones but functions as an endocrine organ itself. As a recent study demonstrated a stimulatory effect of the osteoblast-derived hormone osteocalcin (OCN) on testosterone production in mice, we investigated whether...

Family Medicine

High variability in results of semen analysis in Andrology Laboratories in Tuscany (Italy): the experience of an external quality control (EQC) programme

We report the results of the first three trials of an external quality control (EQC) programme performed in 71 laboratories executing semen analysis in Tuscany Region (Italy). At the end of the second trial, participants were invited to attend a teaching course illustrating and inviting to adhere to procedures...

Family Medicine

Sperm counts may have declined in young university students in Southern Spain

Several studies have investigated temporal trends in semen quality in Northern Europe, but none has examined this question in Southern Europe. A prior study conducted in Almeria Province (Southern Spain) reported higher sperm count and concentration among Spanish young men recruited from 2001 to 2002 compared with...

Internal Medicine

High variability in results of semen analysis in Andrology Laboratories in Tuscany (Italy): the experience of an external quality control (EQC) programme

We report the results of the first three trials of an external quality control (EQC) programme performed in 71 laboratories executing semen analysis in Tuscany Region (Italy). At the end of the second trial, participants were invited to attend a teaching course illustrating and inviting to adhere to procedures...

Internal Medicine

Sperm counts may have declined in young university students in Southern Spain

Several studies have investigated temporal trends in semen quality in Northern Europe, but none has examined this question in Southern Europe. A prior study conducted in Almeria Province (Southern Spain) reported higher sperm count and concentration among Spanish young men recruited from 2001 to 2002 compared with...

Men's Health/Andrology

Sperm counts may have declined in young university students in Southern Spain

Several studies have investigated temporal trends in semen quality in Northern Europe, but none has examined this question in Southern Europe. A prior study conducted in Almeria Province (Southern Spain) reported higher sperm count and concentration among Spanish young men recruited from 2001 to 2002 compared with...

Men's Health/Andrology

High variability in results of semen analysis in Andrology Laboratories in Tuscany (Italy): the experience of an external quality control (EQC) programme

We report the results of the first three trials of an external quality control (EQC) programme performed in 71 laboratories executing semen analysis in Tuscany Region (Italy). At the end of the second trial, participants were invited to attend a teaching course illustrating and inviting to adhere to procedures...

Family Medicine

A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled comparative clinical trial of arginine aspartate plus adenosine monophosphate for the intermittent treatment of male erectile dysfunction

Efficacy and safety of l-arginine aspartate 8 g combined with 200 mg of adenosine monophosphate (AA) with placebo (PL) alone for intermittent treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) were compared. The study design was a double-blind, PL-controlled, two-way crossover randomized clinical trial with 26...

Internal Medicine

A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled comparative clinical trial of arginine aspartate plus adenosine monophosphate for the intermittent treatment of male erectile dysfunction

Efficacy and safety of l-arginine aspartate 8 g combined with 200 mg of adenosine monophosphate (AA) with placebo (PL) alone for intermittent treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) were compared. The study design was a double-blind, PL-controlled, two-way crossover randomized clinical trial with 26...

Men's Health/Andrology

A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled comparative clinical trial of arginine aspartate plus adenosine monophosphate for the intermittent treatment of male erectile dysfunction

Efficacy and safety of l-arginine aspartate 8 g combined with 200 mg of adenosine monophosphate (AA) with placebo (PL) alone for intermittent treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) were compared. The study design was a double-blind, PL-controlled, two-way crossover randomized clinical trial with 26...

Anesthesiology

Perioperative Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction

Assessment of diastolic function should be a component of a comprehensive perioperative transesophageal echocardiographic examination. Abnormal diastolic function exists in > 50% of patients presenting for cardiac and high-risk noncardiac surgery, and has been shown to be an independent predictor of adverse...

Anesthesiology

An Intraoperative Small Dose of Ketamine Prevents Remifentanil-Induced Postanesthetic Shivering

Patients undergoing gynecological laparotomy were randomized to receive either 0.5 mg/kg ketamine at induction of anesthesia followed by an infusion of 0.3 mg/kg/h until the end of surgery (ketamine group, n = 32), or an equivalent volume of normal saline (control group, n = 32). Anesthesia was maintained with IV...

Internal Medicine

An Intraoperative Small Dose of Ketamine Prevents Remifentanil-Induced Postanesthetic Shivering

Patients undergoing gynecological laparotomy were randomized to receive either 0.5 mg/kg ketamine at induction of anesthesia followed by an infusion of 0.3 mg/kg/h until the end of surgery (ketamine group, n = 32), or an equivalent volume of normal saline (control group, n = 32). Anesthesia was maintained with IV...

Internal Medicine

Perioperative Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction

Assessment of diastolic function should be a component of a comprehensive perioperative transesophageal echocardiographic examination. Abnormal diastolic function exists in > 50% of patients presenting for cardiac and high-risk noncardiac surgery, and has been shown to be an independent predictor of adverse...

Anesthesiology

An Exploration of Remifentanil-Propofol Combinations That Lead to a Loss of Response to Esophageal Instrumentation, a Loss of Responsiveness, and/or Onset of Intolerable Ventilatory Depression

Background: Remifentanil and propofol are increasingly used for short-duration procedures in spontaneously breathing patients. In this setting, it is preferable to block the response to moderate stimuli while avoiding loss of responsiveness (LOR) and intolerable ventilatory depression (IVD). In this study, we explored...

Internal Medicine

An Exploration of Remifentanil-Propofol Combinations That Lead to a Loss of Response to Esophageal Instrumentation, a Loss of Responsiveness, and/or Onset of Intolerable Ventilatory Depression

Background: Remifentanil and propofol are increasingly used for short-duration procedures in spontaneously breathing patients. In this setting, it is preferable to block the response to moderate stimuli while avoiding loss of responsiveness (LOR) and intolerable ventilatory depression (IVD). In this study, we explored...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

The identification of potentially pathogenic and therapeutic epitopes from common human allergens

Objectives: To outline the processes involved in large-scale T-cell epitope identification from common allergens and illustrate their relevance to development of allergy specific immunotherapy. Data Sources: A set of studies recently published by our laboratory illustrating high-throughput identification of allergen...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Effects of diesel exhaust particles on primary cultured healthy human conjunctival epithelium

Background: Air pollution from road traffic is a serious public health problem. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated adverse health effects associated with environmental pollution. Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to ambient particulate matter air pollution. We studied the effects of exposure to diesel exhaust...

Family Medicine

Effects of diesel exhaust particles on primary cultured healthy human conjunctival epithelium

Background: Air pollution from road traffic is a serious public health problem. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated adverse health effects associated with environmental pollution. Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to ambient particulate matter air pollution. We studied the effects of exposure to diesel exhaust...

Family Medicine

The identification of potentially pathogenic and therapeutic epitopes from common human allergens

Objectives: To outline the processes involved in large-scale T-cell epitope identification from common allergens and illustrate their relevance to development of allergy specific immunotherapy. Data Sources: A set of studies recently published by our laboratory illustrating high-throughput identification of allergen...

Immunology

The identification of potentially pathogenic and therapeutic epitopes from common human allergens

Objectives: To outline the processes involved in large-scale T-cell epitope identification from common allergens and illustrate their relevance to development of allergy specific immunotherapy. Data Sources: A set of studies recently published by our laboratory illustrating high-throughput identification of allergen...

Immunology

Effects of diesel exhaust particles on primary cultured healthy human conjunctival epithelium

Background: Air pollution from road traffic is a serious public health problem. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated adverse health effects associated with environmental pollution. Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to ambient particulate matter air pollution. We studied the effects of exposure to diesel exhaust...

Internal Medicine

Effects of diesel exhaust particles on primary cultured healthy human conjunctival epithelium

Background: Air pollution from road traffic is a serious public health problem. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated adverse health effects associated with environmental pollution. Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to ambient particulate matter air pollution. We studied the effects of exposure to diesel exhaust...

Internal Medicine

The identification of potentially pathogenic and therapeutic epitopes from common human allergens

Objectives: To outline the processes involved in large-scale T-cell epitope identification from common allergens and illustrate their relevance to development of allergy specific immunotherapy. Data Sources: A set of studies recently published by our laboratory illustrating high-throughput identification of allergen...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Atopic dermatitis in a high-risk cohort: natural history, associated allergic outcomes, and risk factors

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is commonly associated with asthma and other atopic disorders in childhood. Objective: To evaluate the natural history of AD and its association with other allergic outcomes in a high-risk cohort through the age of 7 years. Methods: A total of 373 high-risk infants, who had undergone...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Population-based study on association between birth weight and risk of asthma: A propensity score approach

Background: Previous studies that assessed the role of birth weight in the risk of asthma have been limited because of selection bias and covariate imbalance. Objective: To assess the association between birth weight and risk of asthma by applying a propensity score approach. Methods: The study was designed as a...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Significance of Ara h 2 in clinical reactivity and effect of cooking methods on allergenicity

Background: The prevalence and clinical severity of peanut allergy vary between Western countries and Asia. It has been suggested that cooking methods are responsible for this discrepancy. Objectives: To evaluate the specific IgE responses to major peanut allergens in peanut allergic Korean children and to examine the...

Family Medicine

Atopic dermatitis in a high-risk cohort: natural history, associated allergic outcomes, and risk factors

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is commonly associated with asthma and other atopic disorders in childhood. Objective: To evaluate the natural history of AD and its association with other allergic outcomes in a high-risk cohort through the age of 7 years. Methods: A total of 373 high-risk infants, who had undergone...

Family Medicine

Population-based study on association between birth weight and risk of asthma: A propensity score approach

Background: Previous studies that assessed the role of birth weight in the risk of asthma have been limited because of selection bias and covariate imbalance. Objective: To assess the association between birth weight and risk of asthma by applying a propensity score approach. Methods: The study was designed as a...

Family Medicine

Significance of Ara h 2 in clinical reactivity and effect of cooking methods on allergenicity

Background: The prevalence and clinical severity of peanut allergy vary between Western countries and Asia. It has been suggested that cooking methods are responsible for this discrepancy. Objectives: To evaluate the specific IgE responses to major peanut allergens in peanut allergic Korean children and to examine the...

Immunology

Atopic dermatitis in a high-risk cohort: natural history, associated allergic outcomes, and risk factors

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is commonly associated with asthma and other atopic disorders in childhood. Objective: To evaluate the natural history of AD and its association with other allergic outcomes in a high-risk cohort through the age of 7 years. Methods: A total of 373 high-risk infants, who had undergone...

Immunology

Population-based study on association between birth weight and risk of asthma: A propensity score approach

Background: Previous studies that assessed the role of birth weight in the risk of asthma have been limited because of selection bias and covariate imbalance. Objective: To assess the association between birth weight and risk of asthma by applying a propensity score approach. Methods: The study was designed as a...

Immunology

Significance of Ara h 2 in clinical reactivity and effect of cooking methods on allergenicity

Background: The prevalence and clinical severity of peanut allergy vary between Western countries and Asia. It has been suggested that cooking methods are responsible for this discrepancy. Objectives: To evaluate the specific IgE responses to major peanut allergens in peanut allergic Korean children and to examine the...

Internal Medicine

Atopic dermatitis in a high-risk cohort: natural history, associated allergic outcomes, and risk factors

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is commonly associated with asthma and other atopic disorders in childhood. Objective: To evaluate the natural history of AD and its association with other allergic outcomes in a high-risk cohort through the age of 7 years. Methods: A total of 373 high-risk infants, who had undergone...

Internal Medicine

Population-based study on association between birth weight and risk of asthma: A propensity score approach

Background: Previous studies that assessed the role of birth weight in the risk of asthma have been limited because of selection bias and covariate imbalance. Objective: To assess the association between birth weight and risk of asthma by applying a propensity score approach. Methods: The study was designed as a...

Internal Medicine

Significance of Ara h 2 in clinical reactivity and effect of cooking methods on allergenicity

Background: The prevalence and clinical severity of peanut allergy vary between Western countries and Asia. It has been suggested that cooking methods are responsible for this discrepancy. Objectives: To evaluate the specific IgE responses to major peanut allergens in peanut allergic Korean children and to examine the...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Safe administration of the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine to children with severe egg allergy

Background: Anaphylaxis to egg or severe egg allergy has been considered a contraindication to receiving trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (TIV). Objective: To evaluate the safety of TIV among severely egg allergic children. Methods: A 2-phase, multicenter study at 7 sites was conducted between October 2010 and...

Family Medicine

Safe administration of the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine to children with severe egg allergy

Background: Anaphylaxis to egg or severe egg allergy has been considered a contraindication to receiving trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (TIV). Objective: To evaluate the safety of TIV among severely egg allergic children. Methods: A 2-phase, multicenter study at 7 sites was conducted between October 2010 and...

Immunology

Safe administration of the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine to children with severe egg allergy

Background: Anaphylaxis to egg or severe egg allergy has been considered a contraindication to receiving trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (TIV). Objective: To evaluate the safety of TIV among severely egg allergic children. Methods: A 2-phase, multicenter study at 7 sites was conducted between October 2010 and...

Internal Medicine

Safe administration of the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine to children with severe egg allergy

Background: Anaphylaxis to egg or severe egg allergy has been considered a contraindication to receiving trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (TIV). Objective: To evaluate the safety of TIV among severely egg allergic children. Methods: A 2-phase, multicenter study at 7 sites was conducted between October 2010 and...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Sensitivity of impulse oscillometry and spirometry in beta-blocker induced bronchoconstriction and beta-agonist bronchodilatation in asthma

Background: Impulse oscillometry (IOS) provides an alternative method of assessing pulmonary function to conventional spirometry. Objective: To compare the sensitivities of IOS and spirometry in assessing bronchoconstriction to propranolol and bronchodilation with salbutamol. Methods: A post-hoc analysis of a...

Family Medicine

Sensitivity of impulse oscillometry and spirometry in beta-blocker induced bronchoconstriction and beta-agonist bronchodilatation in asthma

Background: Impulse oscillometry (IOS) provides an alternative method of assessing pulmonary function to conventional spirometry. Objective: To compare the sensitivities of IOS and spirometry in assessing bronchoconstriction to propranolol and bronchodilation with salbutamol. Methods: A post-hoc analysis of a...

Immunology

Sensitivity of impulse oscillometry and spirometry in beta-blocker induced bronchoconstriction and beta-agonist bronchodilatation in asthma

Background: Impulse oscillometry (IOS) provides an alternative method of assessing pulmonary function to conventional spirometry. Objective: To compare the sensitivities of IOS and spirometry in assessing bronchoconstriction to propranolol and bronchodilation with salbutamol. Methods: A post-hoc analysis of a...

Internal Medicine

Sensitivity of impulse oscillometry and spirometry in beta-blocker induced bronchoconstriction and beta-agonist bronchodilatation in asthma

Background: Impulse oscillometry (IOS) provides an alternative method of assessing pulmonary function to conventional spirometry. Objective: To compare the sensitivities of IOS and spirometry in assessing bronchoconstriction to propranolol and bronchodilation with salbutamol. Methods: A post-hoc analysis of a...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

The prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in urban minority children

Background: Urban minority children are known to have high rates of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but little is known about food allergy in this population. Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in an urban pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical...

Family Medicine

The prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in urban minority children

Background: Urban minority children are known to have high rates of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but little is known about food allergy in this population. Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in an urban pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical...

Immunology

The prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in urban minority children

Background: Urban minority children are known to have high rates of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but little is known about food allergy in this population. Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in an urban pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical...

Internal Medicine

The prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in urban minority children

Background: Urban minority children are known to have high rates of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but little is known about food allergy in this population. Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in an urban pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical...

Paediatrics

The prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in urban minority children

Background: Urban minority children are known to have high rates of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but little is known about food allergy in this population. Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of food allergy in an urban pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Inappropriate home albuterol use during an acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Increased asthma morbidity and mortality is associated with inappropriate home self-management skills. Objectives: To examine the proportion of children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with an acute asthma exacerbation with incorrect home use of their albuterol inhaler and to identify factors...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Efficacy of venom immunotherapy given every 3 or 4 months: a prospective comparison with the conventional regimen

Background: Standard venom immunotherapy involves the administration of the maintenance dose every 4 to 6 weeks. This regimen may have adherence problems, especially in the long term; thus, extended intervals have been proposed. Objective: We prospectively compared the efficacy of 3- or 4-month extended maintenance...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Clarifying the transmission route of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the skin in early childhood atopic dermatitis

Background: We previously found that skin-colonizing Staphylococcus aureus in early childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) originates predominantly from the patient's nose, whereas maternal transmission did not contribute substantially to colonization. Objective: To investigate the transmission route and definitive source of...

Family Medicine

Clarifying the transmission route of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the skin in early childhood atopic dermatitis

Background: We previously found that skin-colonizing Staphylococcus aureus in early childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) originates predominantly from the patient's nose, whereas maternal transmission did not contribute substantially to colonization. Objective: To investigate the transmission route and definitive source of...

Family Medicine

Efficacy of venom immunotherapy given every 3 or 4 months: a prospective comparison with the conventional regimen

Background: Standard venom immunotherapy involves the administration of the maintenance dose every 4 to 6 weeks. This regimen may have adherence problems, especially in the long term; thus, extended intervals have been proposed. Objective: We prospectively compared the efficacy of 3- or 4-month extended maintenance...

Family Medicine

Inappropriate home albuterol use during an acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Increased asthma morbidity and mortality is associated with inappropriate home self-management skills. Objectives: To examine the proportion of children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with an acute asthma exacerbation with incorrect home use of their albuterol inhaler and to identify factors...

Immunology

Inappropriate home albuterol use during an acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Increased asthma morbidity and mortality is associated with inappropriate home self-management skills. Objectives: To examine the proportion of children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with an acute asthma exacerbation with incorrect home use of their albuterol inhaler and to identify factors...

Immunology

Efficacy of venom immunotherapy given every 3 or 4 months: a prospective comparison with the conventional regimen

Background: Standard venom immunotherapy involves the administration of the maintenance dose every 4 to 6 weeks. This regimen may have adherence problems, especially in the long term; thus, extended intervals have been proposed. Objective: We prospectively compared the efficacy of 3- or 4-month extended maintenance...

Immunology

Clarifying the transmission route of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the skin in early childhood atopic dermatitis

Background: We previously found that skin-colonizing Staphylococcus aureus in early childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) originates predominantly from the patient's nose, whereas maternal transmission did not contribute substantially to colonization. Objective: To investigate the transmission route and definitive source of...

Infectious Diseases

Clarifying the transmission route of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the skin in early childhood atopic dermatitis

Background: We previously found that skin-colonizing Staphylococcus aureus in early childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) originates predominantly from the patient's nose, whereas maternal transmission did not contribute substantially to colonization. Objective: To investigate the transmission route and definitive source of...

Internal Medicine

Clarifying the transmission route of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the skin in early childhood atopic dermatitis

Background: We previously found that skin-colonizing Staphylococcus aureus in early childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) originates predominantly from the patient's nose, whereas maternal transmission did not contribute substantially to colonization. Objective: To investigate the transmission route and definitive source of...

Internal Medicine

Efficacy of venom immunotherapy given every 3 or 4 months: a prospective comparison with the conventional regimen

Background: Standard venom immunotherapy involves the administration of the maintenance dose every 4 to 6 weeks. This regimen may have adherence problems, especially in the long term; thus, extended intervals have been proposed. Objective: We prospectively compared the efficacy of 3- or 4-month extended maintenance...

Internal Medicine

Inappropriate home albuterol use during an acute asthma exacerbation

Background: Increased asthma morbidity and mortality is associated with inappropriate home self-management skills. Objectives: To examine the proportion of children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with an acute asthma exacerbation with incorrect home use of their albuterol inhaler and to identify factors...

Paediatrics

Clarifying the transmission route of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing the skin in early childhood atopic dermatitis

Background: We previously found that skin-colonizing Staphylococcus aureus in early childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) originates predominantly from the patient's nose, whereas maternal transmission did not contribute substantially to colonization. Objective: To investigate the transmission route and definitive source of...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Evaluation and validation of a bee venom sting challenge performed by a micro-syringe

Background: The honeybee sting challenge is considered a reliable procedure to evaluate the efficacy of specific immunotherapy, but it is difficult and unpractical to perform in clinical practice, because live insects are required. Objective: To assess the feasibility and reliability of a challenge test using a...

Family Medicine

Evaluation and validation of a bee venom sting challenge performed by a micro-syringe

Background: The honeybee sting challenge is considered a reliable procedure to evaluate the efficacy of specific immunotherapy, but it is difficult and unpractical to perform in clinical practice, because live insects are required. Objective: To assess the feasibility and reliability of a challenge test using a...

Immunology

Evaluation and validation of a bee venom sting challenge performed by a micro-syringe

Background: The honeybee sting challenge is considered a reliable procedure to evaluate the efficacy of specific immunotherapy, but it is difficult and unpractical to perform in clinical practice, because live insects are required. Objective: To assess the feasibility and reliability of a challenge test using a...

Internal Medicine

Evaluation and validation of a bee venom sting challenge performed by a micro-syringe

Background: The honeybee sting challenge is considered a reliable procedure to evaluate the efficacy of specific immunotherapy, but it is difficult and unpractical to perform in clinical practice, because live insects are required. Objective: To assess the feasibility and reliability of a challenge test using a...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Effect of oral administration with pravastatin and atorvastatin on airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic reactions in asthmatic mice

Background: Asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. Pravastatin and atorvastatin are used clinically as cholesterol-lowering agents but also exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of oral statins on airway...

Family Medicine

Effect of oral administration with pravastatin and atorvastatin on airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic reactions in asthmatic mice

Background: Asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. Pravastatin and atorvastatin are used clinically as cholesterol-lowering agents but also exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of oral statins on airway...

Immunology

Effect of oral administration with pravastatin and atorvastatin on airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic reactions in asthmatic mice

Background: Asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. Pravastatin and atorvastatin are used clinically as cholesterol-lowering agents but also exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of oral statins on airway...

Internal Medicine

Effect of oral administration with pravastatin and atorvastatin on airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic reactions in asthmatic mice

Background: Asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. Pravastatin and atorvastatin are used clinically as cholesterol-lowering agents but also exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of oral statins on airway...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Short-acting β-agonist use and its ability to predict future asthma-related outcomes

Background: Short-acting β-agonist (SABA) use is well established in predicting asthma events in adults. However, this predictive ability has yet to be established in a pediatric population together with an assessment of amount of use. Objective: To identify the number of SABA canisters that best predicts future...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Correlation of Der p 2 T-cell responses with clinical characteristics of children allergic to house dust mite

Background: An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation and their clinical implications is needed to develop specific and successful treatment for allergy. Objectives: To characterize in vitro T-cell responses to Der p 2, one of the major allergens of...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and allergies: results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006

Background: Epidemiologic studies support the hypothesis that reduced microbial exposure in westernized societies promotes atopy. Dichlorophenols are widely used as pesticides and for chlorination of water. They have a strong bactericidal effect that could affect microflora in the environment. However, it is unknown...

Family Medicine

Correlation of Der p 2 T-cell responses with clinical characteristics of children allergic to house dust mite

Background: An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation and their clinical implications is needed to develop specific and successful treatment for allergy. Objectives: To characterize in vitro T-cell responses to Der p 2, one of the major allergens of...

Family Medicine

Dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and allergies: results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006

Background: Epidemiologic studies support the hypothesis that reduced microbial exposure in westernized societies promotes atopy. Dichlorophenols are widely used as pesticides and for chlorination of water. They have a strong bactericidal effect that could affect microflora in the environment. However, it is unknown...

Family Medicine

Short-acting β-agonist use and its ability to predict future asthma-related outcomes

Background: Short-acting β-agonist (SABA) use is well established in predicting asthma events in adults. However, this predictive ability has yet to be established in a pediatric population together with an assessment of amount of use. Objective: To identify the number of SABA canisters that best predicts future...

Immunology

Short-acting β-agonist use and its ability to predict future asthma-related outcomes

Background: Short-acting β-agonist (SABA) use is well established in predicting asthma events in adults. However, this predictive ability has yet to be established in a pediatric population together with an assessment of amount of use. Objective: To identify the number of SABA canisters that best predicts future...

Immunology

Correlation of Der p 2 T-cell responses with clinical characteristics of children allergic to house dust mite

Background: An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation and their clinical implications is needed to develop specific and successful treatment for allergy. Objectives: To characterize in vitro T-cell responses to Der p 2, one of the major allergens of...

Immunology

Dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and allergies: results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006

Background: Epidemiologic studies support the hypothesis that reduced microbial exposure in westernized societies promotes atopy. Dichlorophenols are widely used as pesticides and for chlorination of water. They have a strong bactericidal effect that could affect microflora in the environment. However, it is unknown...

Internal Medicine

Correlation of Der p 2 T-cell responses with clinical characteristics of children allergic to house dust mite

Background: An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation and their clinical implications is needed to develop specific and successful treatment for allergy. Objectives: To characterize in vitro T-cell responses to Der p 2, one of the major allergens of...

Internal Medicine

Dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and allergies: results from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006

Background: Epidemiologic studies support the hypothesis that reduced microbial exposure in westernized societies promotes atopy. Dichlorophenols are widely used as pesticides and for chlorination of water. They have a strong bactericidal effect that could affect microflora in the environment. However, it is unknown...

Internal Medicine

Short-acting β-agonist use and its ability to predict future asthma-related outcomes

Background: Short-acting β-agonist (SABA) use is well established in predicting asthma events in adults. However, this predictive ability has yet to be established in a pediatric population together with an assessment of amount of use. Objective: To identify the number of SABA canisters that best predicts future...

Allergy/Clinical Immunology

Early interventional treatment with intranasal corticosteroids compared with postonset treatment in pollinosis

Background: The usefulness of early interventional treatment (EIT) with intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) compared with postonset treatment (POT) has not been clarified. Objectives: To study the efficacy and safety of EIT with INSs compared with POT and placebo in Japanese cedar/cypress pollinosis. Methods: We designed...

Family Medicine

Early interventional treatment with intranasal corticosteroids compared with postonset treatment in pollinosis

Background: The usefulness of early interventional treatment (EIT) with intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) compared with postonset treatment (POT) has not been clarified. Objectives: To study the efficacy and safety of EIT with INSs compared with POT and placebo in Japanese cedar/cypress pollinosis. Methods: We designed...

Immunology

Early interventional treatment with intranasal corticosteroids compared with postonset treatment in pollinosis

Background: The usefulness of early interventional treatment (EIT) with intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) compared with postonset treatment (POT) has not been clarified. Objectives: To study the efficacy and safety of EIT with INSs compared with POT and placebo in Japanese cedar/cypress pollinosis. Methods: We designed...

Internal Medicine

Early interventional treatment with intranasal corticosteroids compared with postonset treatment in pollinosis

Background: The usefulness of early interventional treatment (EIT) with intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) compared with postonset treatment (POT) has not been clarified. Objectives: To study the efficacy and safety of EIT with INSs compared with POT and placebo in Japanese cedar/cypress pollinosis. Methods: We designed...

Family Medicine

Neonatal vitamin D status and childhood peanut allergy: a pilot study

Background: Although a number of factors have been proposed to explain the increase in food allergy during the last decade, the possibility that vitamin D status may play a pathogenic role has received recent attention. Objective: To determine whether lower levels of neonatal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) would be...

Immunology

Neonatal vitamin D status and childhood peanut allergy: a pilot study

Background: Although a number of factors have been proposed to explain the increase in food allergy during the last decade, the possibility that vitamin D status may play a pathogenic role has received recent attention. Objective: To determine whether lower levels of neonatal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) would be...

Internal Medicine

Neonatal vitamin D status and childhood peanut allergy: a pilot study

Background: Although a number of factors have been proposed to explain the increase in food allergy during the last decade, the possibility that vitamin D status may play a pathogenic role has received recent attention. Objective: To determine whether lower levels of neonatal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) would be...

Paediatrics

Neonatal vitamin D status and childhood peanut allergy: a pilot study

Background: Although a number of factors have been proposed to explain the increase in food allergy during the last decade, the possibility that vitamin D status may play a pathogenic role has received recent attention. Objective: To determine whether lower levels of neonatal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) would be...

Family Medicine

Is Methacholine Challenge Sufficient to Rule out Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Patients with Suspected Asthma?

Bronchial provocation challenges may be useful for establishing a definitive diagnosis of asthma in individuals with compatible symptoms and normal pulmonary function test results....

Family Medicine

Successful C1 Inhibitor Prophylaxis During Zenker Diverticulum Repair in a Patient with Hereditary Angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by C1 inhibitor protein deficiency characterized by recurrent episodes of angioedema of the skin, laryngeal edema, or abdominal…...

Internal Medicine

Is Methacholine Challenge Sufficient to Rule out Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Patients with Suspected Asthma?

Bronchial provocation challenges may be useful for establishing a definitive diagnosis of asthma in individuals with compatible symptoms and normal pulmonary function test results....

Internal Medicine

Successful C1 Inhibitor Prophylaxis During Zenker Diverticulum Repair in a Patient with Hereditary Angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by C1 inhibitor protein deficiency characterized by recurrent episodes of angioedema of the skin, laryngeal edema, or abdominal…...

Emergency Medicine

Diagnostic Accuracy of Pulmonary Embolism Rule-Out Criteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Study objective:To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the diagnostic performance of pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) in deferring the need for D-dimer testing to rule out pulmonary embolism in the emergency department (ED). Methods: We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Knowledge,...

Internal Medicine

Diagnostic Accuracy of Pulmonary Embolism Rule-Out Criteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Study objective:To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to define the diagnostic performance of pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) in deferring the need for D-dimer testing to rule out pulmonary embolism in the emergency department (ED). Methods: We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Knowledge,...

Family Medicine

Late referrals to home palliative care service affecting death at home in advanced cancer patients in Japan: a nationwide survey

Background: To identify factors influencing place of death among home palliative care patients with advanced cancer, focusing on the timing of referrals from hospital to home care settings. Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted on home palliative care patients at 1000 randomly...

Internal Medicine

Late referrals to home palliative care service affecting death at home in advanced cancer patients in Japan: a nationwide survey

Background: To identify factors influencing place of death among home palliative care patients with advanced cancer, focusing on the timing of referrals from hospital to home care settings. Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted on home palliative care patients at 1000 randomly...

Palliative Medicine

Late referrals to home palliative care service affecting death at home in advanced cancer patients in Japan: a nationwide survey

Background: To identify factors influencing place of death among home palliative care patients with advanced cancer, focusing on the timing of referrals from hospital to home care settings. Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted on home palliative care patients at 1000 randomly...

Family Medicine

EULAR recommendations for vaccination in paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases

Evidence-based recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases (PaedRD) were developed by following the EULAR standardised procedures for guideline development. The EULAR task force consisted of (paediatric) rheumatologists/immunologists, one expert in vaccine evaluation, one expert in...

Internal Medicine

EULAR recommendations for vaccination in paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases

Evidence-based recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases (PaedRD) were developed by following the EULAR standardised procedures for guideline development. The EULAR task force consisted of (paediatric) rheumatologists/immunologists, one expert in vaccine evaluation, one expert in...

Vaccines

EULAR recommendations for vaccination in paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases

Evidence-based recommendations for vaccination of paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases (PaedRD) were developed by following the EULAR standardised procedures for guideline development. The EULAR task force consisted of (paediatric) rheumatologists/immunologists, one expert in vaccine evaluation, one expert in...

Family Medicine

Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a significant effect on detection and grading of ultrasound-detected synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Results from a randomised study

Objectives: To determine whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a significant effect on ultrasonographic (US) grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) assessment of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Patients with RA taking NSAIDs were randomised to either stopping (for a minimum of 5...

Internal Medicine

Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a significant effect on detection and grading of ultrasound-detected synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Results from a randomised study

Objectives: To determine whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a significant effect on ultrasonographic (US) grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) assessment of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Patients with RA taking NSAIDs were randomised to either stopping (for a minimum of 5...

Pain Management

Do non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a significant effect on detection and grading of ultrasound-detected synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Results from a randomised study

Objectives: To determine whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a significant effect on ultrasonographic (US) grey scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) assessment of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Patients with RA taking NSAIDs were randomised to either stopping (for a minimum of 5...

Family Medicine

Effectiveness of intra-articular hyaluronan (Synvisc, hylan G-F 20) for the treatment of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a single intra-articular injection of hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc) for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Participants (n = 151) with symptomatic first MTPJ OA were randomly allocated to receive up to 1 ml intra-articular injection of...

Internal Medicine

Effectiveness of intra-articular hyaluronan (Synvisc, hylan G-F 20) for the treatment of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a single intra-articular injection of hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc) for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Participants (n = 151) with symptomatic first MTPJ OA were randomly allocated to receive up to 1 ml intra-articular injection of...

Podiatry

Effectiveness of intra-articular hyaluronan (Synvisc, hylan G-F 20) for the treatment of first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a single intra-articular injection of hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc) for symptomatic first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Participants (n = 151) with symptomatic first MTPJ OA were randomly allocated to receive up to 1 ml intra-articular injection of...

Family Medicine

Lumbar disc degeneration and genetic factors are the main risk factors for low back pain in women: the UK Twin Spine Study

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, but it is still unclear which individuals develop it. The authors examined the contribution of genetic factors, lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and other risk factors in a female sample of the general population. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional...

Internal Medicine

Lumbar disc degeneration and genetic factors are the main risk factors for low back pain in women: the UK Twin Spine Study

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, but it is still unclear which individuals develop it. The authors examined the contribution of genetic factors, lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and other risk factors in a female sample of the general population. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional...

Pain Management

Lumbar disc degeneration and genetic factors are the main risk factors for low back pain in women: the UK Twin Spine Study

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, but it is still unclear which individuals develop it. The authors examined the contribution of genetic factors, lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and other risk factors in a female sample of the general population. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional...

Family Medicine

Explaining Dietary Intake in Adolescent Girls from Disadvantaged Secondary Schools: A Test of Social Cognitive Theory

Much of the research on the determinants of dietary behavior has been guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), yet few studies have tested the utility of its proposed structural paths. The aim of this paper was to test the capacity of SCT to explain dietary behaviors in a sample of 357 adolescent girls (13.2...

Internal Medicine

Explaining Dietary Intake in Adolescent Girls from Disadvantaged Secondary Schools: A Test of Social Cognitive Theory

Much of the research on the determinants of dietary behavior has been guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), yet few studies have tested the utility of its proposed structural paths. The aim of this paper was to test the capacity of SCT to explain dietary behaviors in a sample of 357 adolescent girls (13.2...

Nutrition and Dietetics

Explaining Dietary Intake in Adolescent Girls from Disadvantaged Secondary Schools: A Test of Social Cognitive Theory

Much of the research on the determinants of dietary behavior has been guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), yet few studies have tested the utility of its proposed structural paths. The aim of this paper was to test the capacity of SCT to explain dietary behaviors in a sample of 357 adolescent girls (13.2...

Internal Medicine

Current markers of the Athlete Blood Passport do not flag microdose EPO doping

The Athlete Blood Passport is the most recent tool adopted by anti-doping authorities to detect athletes using performance-enhancing drugs such as recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). This strategy relies on detecting abnormal variations in haematological variables caused by doping, against a background of...

Sports Medicine

Current markers of the Athlete Blood Passport do not flag microdose EPO doping

The Athlete Blood Passport is the most recent tool adopted by anti-doping authorities to detect athletes using performance-enhancing drugs such as recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). This strategy relies on detecting abnormal variations in haematological variables caused by doping, against a background of...

Family Medicine

Determinants of emergency medical utilization among the elderly population in Taiwan: A national longitudinal cohort study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential determinants for emergency medical utilization by elderly patients in Taiwan. The data were drawn from the ‘Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan’, a population-based, longitudinal study of a nationally representative random sample of older...

Family Medicine

Short Form 36-Item Health Survey test result on the empty nest elderly in China: A meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of the empty nest elderly in China using meta-analytic techniques. Electronic databases were searched for studies concerning the quality of life of the empty nest elderly published before December 2011. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Short Form 36-Item Health Survey test result on the empty nest elderly in China: A meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of the empty nest elderly in China using meta-analytic techniques. Electronic databases were searched for studies concerning the quality of life of the empty nest elderly published before December 2011. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Determinants of emergency medical utilization among the elderly population in Taiwan: A national longitudinal cohort study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential determinants for emergency medical utilization by elderly patients in Taiwan. The data were drawn from the ‘Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan’, a population-based, longitudinal study of a nationally representative random sample of older...

Internal Medicine

Determinants of emergency medical utilization among the elderly population in Taiwan: A national longitudinal cohort study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential determinants for emergency medical utilization by elderly patients in Taiwan. The data were drawn from the ‘Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan’, a population-based, longitudinal study of a nationally representative random sample of older...

Internal Medicine

Short Form 36-Item Health Survey test result on the empty nest elderly in China: A meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of the empty nest elderly in China using meta-analytic techniques. Electronic databases were searched for studies concerning the quality of life of the empty nest elderly published before December 2011. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence...

Family Medicine

Muscle strength is the main associated factor of physical performance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis regardless of radiographic severity

The aim of the study is to compare factors associated with physical performance in older individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis and those with less-severe osteoarthritis. This is an ancillary cross-sectional study to a population-based cohort study focusing on Koreans age 65 years or older. The analysis included...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Muscle strength is the main associated factor of physical performance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis regardless of radiographic severity

The aim of the study is to compare factors associated with physical performance in older individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis and those with less-severe osteoarthritis. This is an ancillary cross-sectional study to a population-based cohort study focusing on Koreans age 65 years or older. The analysis included...

Internal Medicine

Muscle strength is the main associated factor of physical performance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis regardless of radiographic severity

The aim of the study is to compare factors associated with physical performance in older individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis and those with less-severe osteoarthritis. This is an ancillary cross-sectional study to a population-based cohort study focusing on Koreans age 65 years or older. The analysis included...

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Muscle strength is the main associated factor of physical performance in older adults with knee osteoarthritis regardless of radiographic severity

The aim of the study is to compare factors associated with physical performance in older individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis and those with less-severe osteoarthritis. This is an ancillary cross-sectional study to a population-based cohort study focusing on Koreans age 65 years or older. The analysis included...

Family Medicine

Gender differences in factors influencing sexual satisfaction in Korean older adults

This study investigates the sex lives of Korean older adults (i.e., those over 60 years) and attempts to identify gender-related factors influencing sexual satisfaction. It used data from the 2008 Korean National Survey on Older Adults conducted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Families. Of the 15,146...

Family Medicine

Prospective monitoring N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide during natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis in elderly

Prognostic values of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in myriad diseases have been studied. During the natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery disease (ARVD) changes of NT-proBNP levels and its significance is not understood. A prospective longitudinal follow-up study was conducted among...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Prospective monitoring N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide during natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis in elderly

Prognostic values of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in myriad diseases have been studied. During the natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery disease (ARVD) changes of NT-proBNP levels and its significance is not understood. A prospective longitudinal follow-up study was conducted among...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Gender differences in factors influencing sexual satisfaction in Korean older adults

This study investigates the sex lives of Korean older adults (i.e., those over 60 years) and attempts to identify gender-related factors influencing sexual satisfaction. It used data from the 2008 Korean National Survey on Older Adults conducted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Families. Of the 15,146...

Internal Medicine

Gender differences in factors influencing sexual satisfaction in Korean older adults

This study investigates the sex lives of Korean older adults (i.e., those over 60 years) and attempts to identify gender-related factors influencing sexual satisfaction. It used data from the 2008 Korean National Survey on Older Adults conducted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Families. Of the 15,146...

Internal Medicine

Prospective monitoring N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide during natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis in elderly

Prognostic values of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in myriad diseases have been studied. During the natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery disease (ARVD) changes of NT-proBNP levels and its significance is not understood. A prospective longitudinal follow-up study was conducted among...

Urological and Kidney Diseases

Prospective monitoring N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide during natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis in elderly

Prognostic values of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in myriad diseases have been studied. During the natural progression of atherosclerotic renal artery disease (ARVD) changes of NT-proBNP levels and its significance is not understood. A prospective longitudinal follow-up study was conducted among...

Sexual Health

Gender differences in factors influencing sexual satisfaction in Korean older adults

This study investigates the sex lives of Korean older adults (i.e., those over 60 years) and attempts to identify gender-related factors influencing sexual satisfaction. It used data from the 2008 Korean National Survey on Older Adults conducted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Families. Of the 15,146...

Family Medicine

Change in sense of coherence (SOC) and symptoms of depression among old non-demented persons 12 months after hospitalization

We studied whether SOC of older adults (≥65 years) without cognitive impairment had changed 1-year after medical hospitalization (T2) and to examine what factors were associated with the change. At baseline (T1) and (T2), the 13-item version of the SOC scale assessed coping, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Change in sense of coherence (SOC) and symptoms of depression among old non-demented persons 12 months after hospitalization

We studied whether SOC of older adults (≥65 years) without cognitive impairment had changed 1-year after medical hospitalization (T2) and to examine what factors were associated with the change. At baseline (T1) and (T2), the 13-item version of the SOC scale assessed coping, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression...

Internal Medicine

Change in sense of coherence (SOC) and symptoms of depression among old non-demented persons 12 months after hospitalization

We studied whether SOC of older adults (≥65 years) without cognitive impairment had changed 1-year after medical hospitalization (T2) and to examine what factors were associated with the change. At baseline (T1) and (T2), the 13-item version of the SOC scale assessed coping, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression...

Family Medicine

Correlation between moderate daily physical activity and neurocognitive variability in healthy elderly people

Recent studies have reported that moderate physical activity in daily life contributes to maintenance of a proper state of cognitive function in elderly individuals. The present study investigated the validity of correlations between moderate physical activity and cognitive function using more objective and detailed...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Correlation between moderate daily physical activity and neurocognitive variability in healthy elderly people

Recent studies have reported that moderate physical activity in daily life contributes to maintenance of a proper state of cognitive function in elderly individuals. The present study investigated the validity of correlations between moderate physical activity and cognitive function using more objective and detailed...

Internal Medicine

Correlation between moderate daily physical activity and neurocognitive variability in healthy elderly people

Recent studies have reported that moderate physical activity in daily life contributes to maintenance of a proper state of cognitive function in elderly individuals. The present study investigated the validity of correlations between moderate physical activity and cognitive function using more objective and detailed...

Central Nervous System

History of depression prior to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia verified post-mortem

The aim of this study was to analyze the medical history, with regards to previous remote depression, in patients with neuropathologically verified Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed AD/VaD. The 201 patients included (115 AD, 44 VaD and 42 mixed AD/VaD) had been referred to the...

Family Medicine

Grip strength in a cohort of older medical inpatients in Malaysia: A pilot study to describe the range, determinants and association with length of hospital stay

Grip strength is a marker of sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, and has been little researched in Asian populations. We aimed to describe the feasibility and acceptability of measuring grip strength in hospitalized, older people in Malaysia and to explore its range, determinants and...

Family Medicine

History of depression prior to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia verified post-mortem

The aim of this study was to analyze the medical history, with regards to previous remote depression, in patients with neuropathologically verified Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed AD/VaD. The 201 patients included (115 AD, 44 VaD and 42 mixed AD/VaD) had been referred to the...

Family Medicine

Homebound status increases death risk within two years in the elderly: Results from a national longitudinal survey

Homebound status is associated with poorer physical and mental health, as well as disability in the elderly. We aimed to examine the prevalence and the role of homebound status on mortality in a representative sample of the French non-institutionalized population. This study included 7497 people aged 65 and over who...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Grip strength in a cohort of older medical inpatients in Malaysia: A pilot study to describe the range, determinants and association with length of hospital stay

Grip strength is a marker of sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, and has been little researched in Asian populations. We aimed to describe the feasibility and acceptability of measuring grip strength in hospitalized, older people in Malaysia and to explore its range, determinants and...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Homebound status increases death risk within two years in the elderly: Results from a national longitudinal survey

Homebound status is associated with poorer physical and mental health, as well as disability in the elderly. We aimed to examine the prevalence and the role of homebound status on mortality in a representative sample of the French non-institutionalized population. This study included 7497 people aged 65 and over who...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

History of depression prior to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia verified post-mortem

The aim of this study was to analyze the medical history, with regards to previous remote depression, in patients with neuropathologically verified Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed AD/VaD. The 201 patients included (115 AD, 44 VaD and 42 mixed AD/VaD) had been referred to the...

Internal Medicine

Grip strength in a cohort of older medical inpatients in Malaysia: A pilot study to describe the range, determinants and association with length of hospital stay

Grip strength is a marker of sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, and has been little researched in Asian populations. We aimed to describe the feasibility and acceptability of measuring grip strength in hospitalized, older people in Malaysia and to explore its range, determinants and...

Internal Medicine

History of depression prior to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia verified post-mortem

The aim of this study was to analyze the medical history, with regards to previous remote depression, in patients with neuropathologically verified Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed AD/VaD. The 201 patients included (115 AD, 44 VaD and 42 mixed AD/VaD) had been referred to the...

Internal Medicine

Homebound status increases death risk within two years in the elderly: Results from a national longitudinal survey

Homebound status is associated with poorer physical and mental health, as well as disability in the elderly. We aimed to examine the prevalence and the role of homebound status on mortality in a representative sample of the French non-institutionalized population. This study included 7497 people aged 65 and over who...

Neurological Disorders

History of depression prior to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia verified post-mortem

The aim of this study was to analyze the medical history, with regards to previous remote depression, in patients with neuropathologically verified Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD) and mixed AD/VaD. The 201 patients included (115 AD, 44 VaD and 42 mixed AD/VaD) had been referred to the...

Family Medicine

Health status and associated factors among the community-dwelling elderly in China

The objective of this study was to evaluate the health status and associated factors of the elderly Chinese population. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 849 elderly people aged 60 years and over living in a certain district of Nanjing, China. A health rating scale based on the characteristics of the elderly...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Health status and associated factors among the community-dwelling elderly in China

The objective of this study was to evaluate the health status and associated factors of the elderly Chinese population. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 849 elderly people aged 60 years and over living in a certain district of Nanjing, China. A health rating scale based on the characteristics of the elderly...

Internal Medicine

Health status and associated factors among the community-dwelling elderly in China

The objective of this study was to evaluate the health status and associated factors of the elderly Chinese population. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 849 elderly people aged 60 years and over living in a certain district of Nanjing, China. A health rating scale based on the characteristics of the elderly...

Central Nervous System

Is increased red cell distribution width (RDW) indicating the inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation has a substantial role in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. RDW, a measure of heterogeneity in the size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with inflammatory markers in many numerous diseases. Present study was undertaken to assess the interrelationships...

Central Nervous System

Associations between sex hormones and cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations in vascular dementia (VaD)

Although numerous studies have been carried out to determine the effects of sex hormones on Alzheimer's disease (AD), little is known about the associations between sex hormones and VaD. The aim of this study was to compare serum sex hormone levels between VaD patients and normal controls, and to further determine the...

Family Medicine

Associations between sex hormones and cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations in vascular dementia (VaD)

Although numerous studies have been carried out to determine the effects of sex hormones on Alzheimer's disease (AD), little is known about the associations between sex hormones and VaD. The aim of this study was to compare serum sex hormone levels between VaD patients and normal controls, and to further determine the...

Family Medicine

Is increased red cell distribution width (RDW) indicating the inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation has a substantial role in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. RDW, a measure of heterogeneity in the size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with inflammatory markers in many numerous diseases. Present study was undertaken to assess the interrelationships...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Is increased red cell distribution width (RDW) indicating the inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation has a substantial role in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. RDW, a measure of heterogeneity in the size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with inflammatory markers in many numerous diseases. Present study was undertaken to assess the interrelationships...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Associations between sex hormones and cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations in vascular dementia (VaD)

Although numerous studies have been carried out to determine the effects of sex hormones on Alzheimer's disease (AD), little is known about the associations between sex hormones and VaD. The aim of this study was to compare serum sex hormone levels between VaD patients and normal controls, and to further determine the...

Internal Medicine

Associations between sex hormones and cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations in vascular dementia (VaD)

Although numerous studies have been carried out to determine the effects of sex hormones on Alzheimer's disease (AD), little is known about the associations between sex hormones and VaD. The aim of this study was to compare serum sex hormone levels between VaD patients and normal controls, and to further determine the...

Internal Medicine

Is increased red cell distribution width (RDW) indicating the inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation has a substantial role in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. RDW, a measure of heterogeneity in the size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with inflammatory markers in many numerous diseases. Present study was undertaken to assess the interrelationships...

Neurological Disorders

Is increased red cell distribution width (RDW) indicating the inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation has a substantial role in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. RDW, a measure of heterogeneity in the size of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with inflammatory markers in many numerous diseases. Present study was undertaken to assess the interrelationships...

Neurological Disorders

Associations between sex hormones and cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations in vascular dementia (VaD)

Although numerous studies have been carried out to determine the effects of sex hormones on Alzheimer's disease (AD), little is known about the associations between sex hormones and VaD. The aim of this study was to compare serum sex hormone levels between VaD patients and normal controls, and to further determine the...

Angiology

Free wall rupture (FWR) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving fibrinolytic therapy (FT): A 7-year prospective study.

Previous studies have shown a paradoxical increase in early mortality in older patients (>70 years) with acute STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy (FT), which has been attributed to the development of free wall rupture (FWR). Our aim was to assess occurrence of FWR in STEMI patients receiving FT. In this 7-year...

Family Medicine

Free wall rupture (FWR) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving fibrinolytic therapy (FT): A 7-year prospective study.

Previous studies have shown a paradoxical increase in early mortality in older patients (>70 years) with acute STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy (FT), which has been attributed to the development of free wall rupture (FWR). Our aim was to assess occurrence of FWR in STEMI patients receiving FT. In this 7-year...

Internal Medicine

Free wall rupture (FWR) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) receiving fibrinolytic therapy (FT): A 7-year prospective study.

Previous studies have shown a paradoxical increase in early mortality in older patients (>70 years) with acute STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy (FT), which has been attributed to the development of free wall rupture (FWR). Our aim was to assess occurrence of FWR in STEMI patients receiving FT. In this 7-year...

Clinical Laboratory

C-reactive protein (CRP): An important diagnostic and prognostic tool in nursing-home-associated pneumonia

Pneumonia is the second most common infection in long term care (LTC) residents and is a leading cause of death from infection in those groups of patients. Atypical presentations and fewer presenting signs and symptoms in older patients complicate diagnosis and delay initiation of adequate treatment. The aim of this...

Family Medicine

C-reactive protein (CRP): An important diagnostic and prognostic tool in nursing-home-associated pneumonia

Pneumonia is the second most common infection in long term care (LTC) residents and is a leading cause of death from infection in those groups of patients. Atypical presentations and fewer presenting signs and symptoms in older patients complicate diagnosis and delay initiation of adequate treatment. The aim of this...

Immunology

C-reactive protein (CRP): An important diagnostic and prognostic tool in nursing-home-associated pneumonia

Pneumonia is the second most common infection in long term care (LTC) residents and is a leading cause of death from infection in those groups of patients. Atypical presentations and fewer presenting signs and symptoms in older patients complicate diagnosis and delay initiation of adequate treatment. The aim of this...

Internal Medicine

C-reactive protein (CRP): An important diagnostic and prognostic tool in nursing-home-associated pneumonia

Pneumonia is the second most common infection in long term care (LTC) residents and is a leading cause of death from infection in those groups of patients. Atypical presentations and fewer presenting signs and symptoms in older patients complicate diagnosis and delay initiation of adequate treatment. The aim of this...

Angiology

Prior antiplatelet drug use and short-term mortality in older patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS)

Some studies suggest that previous treatment with antiplatelet agents (AA) might reduce ischemic stroke severity and improve outcomes in terms of clinical deficits or mortality. We evaluated the effect of the prior chronic use of AA on short-term (30 days) mortality in a sample of consecutive patients with AIS. Four...

Family Medicine

Prior antiplatelet drug use and short-term mortality in older patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS)

Some studies suggest that previous treatment with antiplatelet agents (AA) might reduce ischemic stroke severity and improve outcomes in terms of clinical deficits or mortality. We evaluated the effect of the prior chronic use of AA on short-term (30 days) mortality in a sample of consecutive patients with AIS. Four...

Internal Medicine

Prior antiplatelet drug use and short-term mortality in older patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS)

Some studies suggest that previous treatment with antiplatelet agents (AA) might reduce ischemic stroke severity and improve outcomes in terms of clinical deficits or mortality. We evaluated the effect of the prior chronic use of AA on short-term (30 days) mortality in a sample of consecutive patients with AIS. Four...

Family Medicine

Malnutrition in an elderly demented population living at home

Malnutrition is a frequent complication for elderly demented patients even if they live at their own home with the assistance of a caregiver. The present study evaluates nutritional characteristics of a population of 130 non-institutionalized demented patients. The results show that the mini nutritional assessment...

Family Medicine

Malnutrition in an elderly demented population living at home

Malnutrition is a frequent complication for elderly demented patients even if they live at their own home with the assistance of a caregiver. The present study evaluates nutritional characteristics of a population of 130 non-institutionalized demented patients. The results show that the mini nutritional assessment...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Malnutrition in an elderly demented population living at home

Malnutrition is a frequent complication for elderly demented patients even if they live at their own home with the assistance of a caregiver. The present study evaluates nutritional characteristics of a population of 130 non-institutionalized demented patients. The results show that the mini nutritional assessment...

Internal Medicine

Malnutrition in an elderly demented population living at home

Malnutrition is a frequent complication for elderly demented patients even if they live at their own home with the assistance of a caregiver. The present study evaluates nutritional characteristics of a population of 130 non-institutionalized demented patients. The results show that the mini nutritional assessment...

Diabetes and Endocrinology

Dysfunction of pre- and post-operative cardiac autonomic nervous system in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus

The pre- and post-operative cardiac autonomic nervous functions were compared in elderly, non-cardiac surgery patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without diabetes mellitus (NDM). A group of 30 unpremedicated elderly patients scheduled to undergo elective non-cardiac surgery were studied, including 15 DM patients...

Family Medicine

Dysfunction of pre- and post-operative cardiac autonomic nervous system in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus

The pre- and post-operative cardiac autonomic nervous functions were compared in elderly, non-cardiac surgery patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without diabetes mellitus (NDM). A group of 30 unpremedicated elderly patients scheduled to undergo elective non-cardiac surgery were studied, including 15 DM patients...

Internal Medicine

Dysfunction of pre- and post-operative cardiac autonomic nervous system in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus

The pre- and post-operative cardiac autonomic nervous functions were compared in elderly, non-cardiac surgery patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and without diabetes mellitus (NDM). A group of 30 unpremedicated elderly patients scheduled to undergo elective non-cardiac surgery were studied, including 15 DM patients...

Ear, Nose and Throat

Allergic rhinitis (AR) in geriatric patients

Allergic rhinitis (AR) can be defined as an inflammatory disease of the nose and the paranasal sinuses, characterized by a specific IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the symptoms of AR and the prick test results in geriatric patients presenting with...

Family Medicine

Allergic rhinitis (AR) in geriatric patients

Allergic rhinitis (AR) can be defined as an inflammatory disease of the nose and the paranasal sinuses, characterized by a specific IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the symptoms of AR and the prick test results in geriatric patients presenting with...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

Allergic rhinitis (AR) in geriatric patients

Allergic rhinitis (AR) can be defined as an inflammatory disease of the nose and the paranasal sinuses, characterized by a specific IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the symptoms of AR and the prick test results in geriatric patients presenting with...

Internal Medicine

Allergic rhinitis (AR) in geriatric patients

Allergic rhinitis (AR) can be defined as an inflammatory disease of the nose and the paranasal sinuses, characterized by a specific IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the symptoms of AR and the prick test results in geriatric patients presenting with...

Family Medicine

How family support affects physical activity (PA) among middle-aged and elderly people before and after they suffer from chronic diseases

The more support elderly people have from their family, the less likely they are to suffer from chronic diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate how family support affects the PA middle-aged and elderly people engage in before and after they suffer from chronic diseases. We interviewed 428 middle-aged...

Family Medicine

How family support affects physical activity (PA) among middle-aged and elderly people before and after they suffer from chronic diseases

The more support elderly people have from their family, the less likely they are to suffer from chronic diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate how family support affects the PA middle-aged and elderly people engage in before and after they suffer from chronic diseases. We interviewed 428 middle-aged...

Gerontology/Geriatrics

How family support affects physical activity (PA) among middle-aged and elderly people before and after they suffer from chronic diseases

The more support elderly people have from their family, the less likely they are to suffer from chronic diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate how family support affects the PA middle-aged and elderly people engage in before and after they suffer from chronic diseases. We interviewed 428 middle-aged...

Internal Medicine

How family support affects physical activity (PA) among middle-aged and elderly people before and after they suffer from chronic diseases

The more support elderly people have from their family, the less likely they are to suffer from chronic diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate how family support affects the PA middle-aged and elderly people engage in before and after they suffer from chronic diseases. We interviewed 428 middle-aged...

Internal Medicine

Emotional Vitality: Concept of Importance for Rehabilitation

Objective: To provide a framework for the conceptualization of emotional vitality as an important construct for rehabilitation professionals. The specific objectives are to outline the existing scope and breadth of knowledge currently available regarding the definition and measurement of emotional vitality in persons...

Internal Medicine

Is it possible to individualize Intensity of Eccentric Cycling Exercise from Perceived Exertion on Concentric Test?

Objective: To assess the safety and acute effects of a procedure using perceived exertion during a prior submaximal concentric (CON) test to individualize eccentric (ECC) cycling exercise intensity. Design: Prospective monocentric open study. Setting: Technological Investigation Platform at the Physical Medicine and...

Internal Medicine

Unsupervised Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program Improves Hip Muscles Strength and Balance Control in the Elderly: A Pilot Study

Objective: To assess the effects of an unsupervised virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program on hip muscles strength and balance control in the elderly. Design: Controlled cohort repeated-measures experimental design, a pilot study Setting: University research laboratory Participants: Thirty-two ambulatory older...

Internal Medicine

Usefulness of a Myofascial Trigger Point Injection for Groin Pain in patients with CP/CPPS: A Pilot Study

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of trigger point injection into the muscles around the groin in patients with a clinically diagnosed chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Design: Prospective, unicenter trial. Setting: University rehabilitation hospital. Participants:...

Sports Medicine

Unsupervised Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Program Improves Hip Muscles Strength and Balance Control in the Elderly: A Pilot Study

Objective: To assess the effects of an unsupervised virtual reality (VR)-based exercise program on hip muscles strength and balance control in the elderly. Design: Controlled cohort repeated-measures experimental design, a pilot study Setting: University research laboratory Participants: Thirty-two ambulatory older...

Sports Medicine

Usefulness of a Myofascial Trigger Point Injection for Groin Pain in patients with CP/CPPS: A Pilot Study

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of trigger point injection into the muscles around the groin in patients with a clinically diagnosed chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Design: Prospective, unicenter trial. Setting: University rehabilitation hospital. Participants:...

Sports Medicine

Emotional Vitality: Concept of Importance for Rehabilitation

Objective: To provide a framework for the conceptualization of emotional vitality as an important construct for rehabilitation professionals. The specific objectives are to outline the existing scope and breadth of knowledge currently available regarding the definition and measurement of emotional vitality in persons...

Sports Medicine

Is it possible to individualize Intensity of Eccentric Cycling Exercise from Perceived Exertion on Concentric Test?

Objective: To assess the safety and acute effects of a procedure using perceived exertion during a prior submaximal concentric (CON) test to individualize eccentric (ECC) cycling exercise intensity. Design: Prospective monocentric open study. Setting: Technological Investigation Platform at the Physical Medicine and...

Internal Medicine

Comparison of the effects of vapocoolant spray and topical anesthetic cream on pain during needle electromyography in the medial gastrocnemius

Objective(s): To compare the effects of a vapocoolant spray and a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream in reducing pain during needle EMG examination. Design: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of a university hospital. Participants: In...

Internal Medicine

Satisfaction and problems experienced with transfemoral suspension systems: a comparison between common suction socket and Seal-In liner

Objective: To compare a seal-in liner with the common suction socket with regards to patient satisfaction and problems experienced with the prosthesis. Design: Retrospective survey. Setting: Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center (JMERC), Tehran, Iran and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of...

Sports Medicine

Satisfaction and problems experienced with transfemoral suspension systems: a comparison between common suction socket and Seal-In liner

Objective: To compare a seal-in liner with the common suction socket with regards to patient satisfaction and problems experienced with the prosthesis. Design: Retrospective survey. Setting: Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center (JMERC), Tehran, Iran and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of...

Sports Medicine

Comparison of the effects of vapocoolant spray and topical anesthetic cream on pain during needle electromyography in the medial gastrocnemius

Objective(s): To compare the effects of a vapocoolant spray and a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream in reducing pain during needle EMG examination. Design: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of a university hospital. Participants: In...

Family Medicine

Radial Nerve Mobilization Decreases Pain Sensitivity and Improves Motor Performance in Patients With Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To examine the effects of radial nerve mobilization on pain sensitivity and motor performance in subjects with secondary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Treatment and placebo were given for 4 weeks. Measurements were taken before intervention, after 1 month (first...

Internal Medicine

Radial Nerve Mobilization Decreases Pain Sensitivity and Improves Motor Performance in Patients With Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To examine the effects of radial nerve mobilization on pain sensitivity and motor performance in subjects with secondary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Treatment and placebo were given for 4 weeks. Measurements were taken before intervention, after 1 month (first...

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Radial Nerve Mobilization Decreases Pain Sensitivity and Improves Motor Performance in Patients With Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To examine the effects of radial nerve mobilization on pain sensitivity and motor performance in subjects with secondary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Treatment and placebo were given for 4 weeks. Measurements were taken before intervention, after 1 month (first...

Family Medicine

Gait Training in Human Spinal Cord Injury Using Electromechanical Systems: Effect of Device Type and Patient Characteristics

Objective: To report the clinical improvements in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients associated with intensive gait training using electromechanical systems according to patient characteristics. Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Setting: Inpatient SCI rehabilitation center. Participants: Adults with SCI (n=130)....

Internal Medicine

Gait Training in Human Spinal Cord Injury Using Electromechanical Systems: Effect of Device Type and Patient Characteristics

Objective: To report the clinical improvements in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients associated with intensive gait training using electromechanical systems according to patient characteristics. Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Setting: Inpatient SCI rehabilitation center. Participants: Adults with SCI (n=130)....

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Gait Training in Human Spinal Cord Injury Using Electromechanical Systems: Effect of Device Type and Patient Characteristics

Objective: To report the clinical improvements in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients associated with intensive gait training using electromechanical systems according to patient characteristics. Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Setting: Inpatient SCI rehabilitation center. Participants: Adults with SCI (n=130)....

Family Medicine

Comparison of High- and Low-Dose Corticosteroid in Subacromial Injection for Periarticular Shoulder Disorder: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: To determine whether subacromial injection with high-dose corticosteroid in patients with periarticular shoulder disorders is better than low-dose corticosteroid or placebo in improving pain, function, and active range of motion (AROM). Design: Multicenter, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial....

Internal Medicine

Comparison of High- and Low-Dose Corticosteroid in Subacromial Injection for Periarticular Shoulder Disorder: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: To determine whether subacromial injection with high-dose corticosteroid in patients with periarticular shoulder disorders is better than low-dose corticosteroid or placebo in improving pain, function, and active range of motion (AROM). Design: Multicenter, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial....

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Comparison of High- and Low-Dose Corticosteroid in Subacromial Injection for Periarticular Shoulder Disorder: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: To determine whether subacromial injection with high-dose corticosteroid in patients with periarticular shoulder disorders is better than low-dose corticosteroid or placebo in improving pain, function, and active range of motion (AROM). Design: Multicenter, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial....

Family Medicine

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Water-Based Exercise to Improve Falls Risk and Physical Function in Older Adults With Lower-Extremity Osteoarthritis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a water-based exercise program specifically targeting balance to reduce falls risk and improve measures of balance and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Community. Participants: Persons (N=39; mean±SD age,...

Internal Medicine

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Water-Based Exercise to Improve Falls Risk and Physical Function in Older Adults With Lower-Extremity Osteoarthritis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a water-based exercise program specifically targeting balance to reduce falls risk and improve measures of balance and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Community. Participants: Persons (N=39; mean±SD age,...

Musculoskeletal Disorders

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Water-Based Exercise to Improve Falls Risk and Physical Function in Older Adults With Lower-Extremity Osteoarthritis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a water-based exercise program specifically targeting balance to reduce falls risk and improve measures of balance and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Community. Participants: Persons (N=39; mean±SD age,...

Family Medicine

Role for the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate–Dependent Rac Exchanger 1 in Platelet Secretion and Aggregation

Objective: Recent studies have shown a role for Rac1 in regulating platelet functions, but how Rac1 is activated in platelets remains unclear. Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate–dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) was originally identified in neutrophils that regulates phagocyte functions. We sought to examine...

Internal Medicine

Role for the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate–Dependent Rac Exchanger 1 in Platelet Secretion and Aggregation

Objective: Recent studies have shown a role for Rac1 in regulating platelet functions, but how Rac1 is activated in platelets remains unclear. Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate–dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) was originally identified in neutrophils that regulates phagocyte functions. We sought to examine...

Thrombosis

Role for the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate–Dependent Rac Exchanger 1 in Platelet Secretion and Aggregation

Objective: Recent studies have shown a role for Rac1 in regulating platelet functions, but how Rac1 is activated in platelets remains unclear. Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate–dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) was originally identified in neutrophils that regulates phagocyte functions. We sought to examine...

Rheumatology

Which Patients Are Most Likely to Benefit From Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Objective: To evaluate patient predictors of good outcome following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods: A population cohort with hip/knee arthritis (osteoarthritis [OA] or inflammatory arthritis) ages ≥55 years was recruited between 1996 and 1998 (baseline) and assessed annually for demographics, troublesome...

Rheumatology

Variants in RUNX3 Contribute to Susceptibility to Psoriatic Arthritis, Exhibiting Further Common Ground With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common inflammatory joint disease distinct from other chronic arthritides and frequently accompanied by psoriasis vulgaris. In a first genome-wide association study (GWAS), we were able to identify several genetic risk factors. However, even combined with previously identified...

Family Medicine

Circulating citrullinated vimentin fragments reflect disease burden in Ankylosing Spondylitis and has prognostic capacity for radiographic progression

Objective: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is considered a seronegative disease indicated by absent or low levels of antibodies against citrullinated proteins. We evaluated whether a citrullinated and MMP degraded fragment of vimentin (VICM) could be a prognostic biomarker in AS. Methods: Serum VICM was measured in samples...

Family Medicine

Neutrophil cannibalismtriggers TGF-β1 production andself-regulation of neutrophil inflammatory function in MSU crystal-induced inflammation

Objectives: To identify macrophage-independent sources of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) production during monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation and determine how TGF-β1 alters MSU crystal-recruited neutrophil functions. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with MSU...

Family Medicine

p53 controls autoimmune arthritis via the STAT3/STAT5-mediated regulation of the Th17–Treg balance

Objective: To investigate the connection between p53 and interleukin (IL)-17–producing helper T (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) balance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Th17 and Treg cell frequencies were analyzed by flow cytometry and cytokine levels in the supernatant were determined using enzyme-linked...

Family Medicine

The fibromyalgia family study: A genome-scan linkage study

Objective: Familial aggregation of fibromyalgia has been increasingly recognized. The goal of the current study was to conduct a genome wide linkage scan to identify susceptibility loci for fibromyalgia. Methods: We genotyped members of 116 families from the Fibromyalgia Family Study and performed a model-free...

Family Medicine

The TNFα-induced miR-18a activates rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts through a feedback loop in NF-κB signaling

Objective: To elucidate whether the microRNA (miRNA) cluster miR-17-92 contributes to the activated phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF). Methods: RASF were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα? and expression and regulation of the miR-17-92 cluster were studied using quantitative...

Family Medicine

TNF inhibiting therapy preferentially targets bone destruction but not synovial inflammation in a TNF driven model of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To investigate how TNF inhibiting therapy effects bone destruction and inflammation in a TNF-driven animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: To evaluate the influence of TNF on osteoclastogenesis in vitro, we added different concentrations of TNF to spleen cell derived monocytes in the absence or...

Internal Medicine

Circulating citrullinated vimentin fragments reflect disease burden in Ankylosing Spondylitis and has prognostic capacity for radiographic progression

Objective: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is considered a seronegative disease indicated by absent or low levels of antibodies against citrullinated proteins. We evaluated whether a citrullinated and MMP degraded fragment of vimentin (VICM) could be a prognostic biomarker in AS. Methods: Serum VICM was measured in samples...

Internal Medicine

Neutrophil cannibalismtriggers TGF-β1 production andself-regulation of neutrophil inflammatory function in MSU crystal-induced inflammation

Objectives: To identify macrophage-independent sources of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) production during monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation and determine how TGF-β1 alters MSU crystal-recruited neutrophil functions. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with MSU...

Internal Medicine

p53 controls autoimmune arthritis via the STAT3/STAT5-mediated regulation of the Th17–Treg balance

Objective: To investigate the connection between p53 and interleukin (IL)-17–producing helper T (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) balance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Th17 and Treg cell frequencies were analyzed by flow cytometry and cytokine levels in the supernatant were determined using enzyme-linked...

Internal Medicine

The fibromyalgia family study: A genome-scan linkage study

Objective: Familial aggregation of fibromyalgia has been increasingly recognized. The goal of the current study was to conduct a genome wide linkage scan to identify susceptibility loci for fibromyalgia. Methods: We genotyped members of 116 families from the Fibromyalgia Family Study and performed a model-free...

Internal Medicine

The TNFα-induced miR-18a activates rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts through a feedback loop in NF-κB signaling

Objective: To elucidate whether the microRNA (miRNA) cluster miR-17-92 contributes to the activated phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF). Methods: RASF were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα? and expression and regulation of the miR-17-92 cluster were studied using quantitative...

Internal Medicine

TNF inhibiting therapy preferentially targets bone destruction but not synovial inflammation in a TNF driven model of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To investigate how TNF inhibiting therapy effects bone destruction and inflammation in a TNF-driven animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: To evaluate the influence of TNF on osteoclastogenesis in vitro, we added different concentrations of TNF to spleen cell derived monocytes in the absence or...

Rheumatology

The TNFα-induced miR-18a activates rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts through a feedback loop in NF-κB signaling

Objective: To elucidate whether the microRNA (miRNA) cluster miR-17-92 contributes to the activated phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF). Methods: RASF were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα? and expression and regulation of the miR-17-92 cluster were studied using quantitative...

Rheumatology

TNF inhibiting therapy preferentially targets bone destruction but not synovial inflammation in a TNF driven model of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To investigate how TNF inhibiting therapy effects bone destruction and inflammation in a TNF-driven animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: To evaluate the influence of TNF on osteoclastogenesis in vitro, we added different concentrations of TNF to spleen cell derived monocytes in the absence or...

Rheumatology

Circulating citrullinated vimentin fragments reflect disease burden in Ankylosing Spondylitis and has prognostic capacity for radiographic progression

Objective: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is considered a seronegative disease indicated by absent or low levels of antibodies against citrullinated proteins. We evaluated whether a citrullinated and MMP degraded fragment of vimentin (VICM) could be a prognostic biomarker in AS. Methods: Serum VICM was measured in samples...

Rheumatology

The fibromyalgia family study: A genome-scan linkage study

Objective: Familial aggregation of fibromyalgia has been increasingly recognized. The goal of the current study was to conduct a genome wide linkage scan to identify susceptibility loci for fibromyalgia. Methods: We genotyped members of 116 families from the Fibromyalgia Family Study and performed a model-free...

Rheumatology

p53 controls autoimmune arthritis via the STAT3/STAT5-mediated regulation of the Th17–Treg balance

Objective: To investigate the connection between p53 and interleukin (IL)-17–producing helper T (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) balance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Th17 and Treg cell frequencies were analyzed by flow cytometry and cytokine levels in the supernatant were determined using enzyme-linked...

Rheumatology

Neutrophil cannibalismtriggers TGF-β1 production andself-regulation of neutrophil inflammatory function in MSU crystal-induced inflammation

Objectives: To identify macrophage-independent sources of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) production during monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation and determine how TGF-β1 alters MSU crystal-recruited neutrophil functions. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with MSU...

Family Medicine

Circumferential evaluation of the neointima by optical coherence tomography after ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation: Can the scaffold cap the plaque?

Objective: To quantify the circumferential healing process at 6 and 12 months following scaffold implantation. Background: The healing process following stent implantation consists of tissue growing on the top of and in the space between each strut. With the ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), the outer...

Internal Medicine

Circumferential evaluation of the neointima by optical coherence tomography after ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation: Can the scaffold cap the plaque?

Objective: To quantify the circumferential healing process at 6 and 12 months following scaffold implantation. Background: The healing process following stent implantation consists of tissue growing on the top of and in the space between each strut. With the ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), the outer...

Thrombosis

Circumferential evaluation of the neointima by optical coherence tomography after ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation: Can the scaffold cap the plaque?

Objective: To quantify the circumferential healing process at 6 and 12 months following scaffold implantation. Background: The healing process following stent implantation consists of tissue growing on the top of and in the space between each strut. With the ABSORB bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), the outer...

Internal Medicine

Role of dynamic MRI in differentiating benign from malignant follicular thyroid nodule

Objectives: Thyroid nodular swellings are very common, consisting of both benign and malignant ones. Fine needle aspiration cytology is an excellent diagnostic modality for papillary cancers, medullary cancers, colloid goiter and lymphoma but fails in differentiating follicular adenomas from carcinomas. The purpose of...

Radiology

Role of dynamic MRI in differentiating benign from malignant follicular thyroid nodule

Objectives: Thyroid nodular swellings are very common, consisting of both benign and malignant ones. Fine needle aspiration cytology is an excellent diagnostic modality for papillary cancers, medullary cancers, colloid goiter and lymphoma but fails in differentiating follicular adenomas from carcinomas. The purpose of...

Internal Medicine

Management of intraoral needle migration into the posterior cervical space

Foreign bodies within the deep spaces of the neck pose infrequent but substantial risks involving migration, including infection, pseudoaneurysm formation, pneumothorax, hemopericardium, and embolization to the central circulation. A rare case of foreign body migration through the parapharyngeal space into the...

Radiology

Management of intraoral needle migration into the posterior cervical space

Foreign bodies within the deep spaces of the neck pose infrequent but substantial risks involving migration, including infection, pseudoaneurysm formation, pneumothorax, hemopericardium, and embolization to the central circulation. A rare case of foreign body migration through the parapharyngeal space into the...

Dermatology

Associations between aberrant DNA methylation and transcript levels of DNMT1 and MBD2 in CD4+T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background/Objectives: It seems that global DNA hypomethylation in CD4+T cells is linked to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the underlying mechanism by which SLE patients show hypomethylated DNA remains unclear. This study explored the relationship between DNA methylation patterns and...

Family Medicine

Associations between aberrant DNA methylation and transcript levels of DNMT1 and MBD2 in CD4+T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background/Objectives: It seems that global DNA hypomethylation in CD4+T cells is linked to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the underlying mechanism by which SLE patients show hypomethylated DNA remains unclear. This study explored the relationship between DNA methylation patterns and...

Internal Medicine

Associations between aberrant DNA methylation and transcript levels of DNMT1 and MBD2 in CD4+T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background/Objectives: It seems that global DNA hypomethylation in CD4+T cells is linked to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the underlying mechanism by which SLE patients show hypomethylated DNA remains unclear. This study explored the relationship between DNA methylation patterns and...

Dermatology

The protective effects of 6-CySeCD with GPx activity against UVB-induced injury in HaCaT cells

Background: The generation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UVB irradiation could induce cell apoptosis and change the cell cycle. 6A,6A′-dicyclohexylamine-6B,6B′-diselenide-bis-β-cyclodextrin (6-CySeCD) is a novel glutathione peroxidase (GPx; EC 1.11.1.9) mimic. The aim of this study was to...

Family Medicine

The protective effects of 6-CySeCD with GPx activity against UVB-induced injury in HaCaT cells

Background: The generation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UVB irradiation could induce cell apoptosis and change the cell cycle. 6A,6A′-dicyclohexylamine-6B,6B′-diselenide-bis-β-cyclodextrin (6-CySeCD) is a novel glutathione peroxidase (GPx; EC 1.11.1.9) mimic. The aim of this study was to...

Internal Medicine

The protective effects of 6-CySeCD with GPx activity against UVB-induced injury in HaCaT cells

Background: The generation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UVB irradiation could induce cell apoptosis and change the cell cycle. 6A,6A′-dicyclohexylamine-6B,6B′-diselenide-bis-β-cyclodextrin (6-CySeCD) is a novel glutathione peroxidase (GPx; EC 1.11.1.9) mimic. The aim of this study was to...

Dermatology

Venous malformations: Clinical course and management of vascular birthmark clinic cases

Background/Objectives: Venous malformations (VM) are an uncommon vascular malformation with an estimated incidence of 1–2 per 10 000 births. The aim was to define the clinical characteristics and management of children with VM and develop a database for future research. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all...

Dermatology

Frequency of positive patch test reactions to preservatives: The Australian experience

Background/Objectives: Preservatives are important causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The frequency of allergy to preservatives in Australia has been unknown to date. Our objectives are to report the frequency of positive preservative patch test reactions in Australia, comparing them to the published international...

Family Medicine

Frequency of positive patch test reactions to preservatives: The Australian experience

Background/Objectives: Preservatives are important causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The frequency of allergy to preservatives in Australia has been unknown to date. Our objectives are to report the frequency of positive preservative patch test reactions in Australia, comparing them to the published international...

Family Medicine

Venous malformations: Clinical course and management of vascular birthmark clinic cases

Background/Objectives: Venous malformations (VM) are an uncommon vascular malformation with an estimated incidence of 1–2 per 10 000 births. The aim was to define the clinical characteristics and management of children with VM and develop a database for future research. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all...

Internal Medicine

Frequency of positive patch test reactions to preservatives: The Australian experience

Background/Objectives: Preservatives are important causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The frequency of allergy to preservatives in Australia has been unknown to date. Our objectives are to report the frequency of positive preservative patch test reactions in Australia, comparing them to the published international...

Internal Medicine

Venous malformations: Clinical course and management of vascular birthmark clinic cases

Background/Objectives: Venous malformations (VM) are an uncommon vascular malformation with an estimated incidence of 1–2 per 10 000 births. The aim was to define the clinical characteristics and management of children with VM and develop a database for future research. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all...

Dermatology

Office based dermatological surgery and Mohs surgery: A prospective audit of surgical procedures and complications in a procedural dermatology practice

Background/Objectives: Dermatologists commonly perform surgical procedures, including Mohs micrographic surgery, in an outpatient, office-based setting. Although this may be widely perceived to be safe and effective, formal data on the practice are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the range of surgical...

Family Medicine

Office based dermatological surgery and Mohs surgery: A prospective audit of surgical procedures and complications in a procedural dermatology practice

Background/Objectives: Dermatologists commonly perform surgical procedures, including Mohs micrographic surgery, in an outpatient, office-based setting. Although this may be widely perceived to be safe and effective, formal data on the practice are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the range of surgical...

Internal Medicine

Office based dermatological surgery and Mohs surgery: A prospective audit of surgical procedures and complications in a procedural dermatology practice

Background/Objectives: Dermatologists commonly perform surgical procedures, including Mohs micrographic surgery, in an outpatient, office-based setting. Although this may be widely perceived to be safe and effective, formal data on the practice are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the range of surgical...

Dermatology

Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis: What we know and what we have yet to learn

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is defined as vulvovaginitis, causally associated with Candida species in the vagina. It is seen commonly in vulval clinics as a cause of persistent vulvovaginitis and yet this chronic condition is yet to be formally defined and explained. The classic symptom complex of chronic itch, pain...

Family Medicine

Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis: What we know and what we have yet to learn

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is defined as vulvovaginitis, causally associated with Candida species in the vagina. It is seen commonly in vulval clinics as a cause of persistent vulvovaginitis and yet this chronic condition is yet to be formally defined and explained. The classic symptom complex of chronic itch, pain...

Internal Medicine

Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis: What we know and what we have yet to learn

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is defined as vulvovaginitis, causally associated with Candida species in the vagina. It is seen commonly in vulval clinics as a cause of persistent vulvovaginitis and yet this chronic condition is yet to be formally defined and explained. The classic symptom complex of chronic itch, pain...

Dermatology

Safety and efficacy of a non–pesticide-based head lice treatment: Results of a randomised comparative trial in children

Background/Objectives: Increasing resistance to pesticide-based head lice treatments has resulted in the need for alternative products to treat head lice infestations, but there are few clinical studies that have adequately tested these products. This multicentre, randomised, assessor-blind, parallel-group phase IV...

Family Medicine

Safety and efficacy of a non–pesticide-based head lice treatment: Results of a randomised comparative trial in children

Background/Objectives: Increasing resistance to pesticide-based head lice treatments has resulted in the need for alternative products to treat head lice infestations, but there are few clinical studies that have adequately tested these products. This multicentre, randomised, assessor-blind, parallel-group phase IV...

Internal Medicine

Safety and efficacy of a non–pesticide-based head lice treatment: Results of a randomised comparative trial in children

Background/Objectives: Increasing resistance to pesticide-based head lice treatments has resulted in the need for alternative products to treat head lice infestations, but there are few clinical studies that have adequately tested these products. This multicentre, randomised, assessor-blind, parallel-group phase IV...

Dermatology

Food allergy testing in infantile eczema: A clinical approach and algorithm

The complex relationship between food allergy and infantile eczema has prompted divergent approaches to investigating potential food triggers in eczematous patients. It is well recognised that a significant proportion of infants with eczema have immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy, reported to range between 20–80%....

Family Medicine

Food allergy testing in infantile eczema: A clinical approach and algorithm

The complex relationship between food allergy and infantile eczema has prompted divergent approaches to investigating potential food triggers in eczematous patients. It is well recognised that a significant proportion of infants with eczema have immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy, reported to range between 20–80%....

Internal Medicine

Food allergy testing in infantile eczema: A clinical approach and algorithm