Quality of life in patients with colorectal metastasis and intrahepatic chemotherapy.

Background: Liver metastasis from colorectal cancer remains an oncological challenge. Hepatic chemotherapy has been used; however, rigorous quality of life (QOL) measurements are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe unique QOL issues to formulate a specific tool for this population.

Acceptability of manual versus electric aspiration for first trimester abortion: a randomized trial.

This study was conducted to compare the acceptability of manual and electric vacuum aspiration for first trimester elective abortion. Eighty-four women seeking abortions at less than 10 weeks gestation were randomized to abortion by manual or electric vacuum aspiration. Post-procedure questionnaires were administered to patients to assess pain, noise disturbance and overall satisfaction with the abortion procedure.

A randomized controlled trial of misoprostol monotherapy for canine atopic dermatitis: effects on dermal cellularity and cutaneous tumour necrosis factor-alpha.

In this blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial, 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) were given placebo (8 dogs) or misoprostol (12 dogs) at 5 micro g kg-1, orally, three times daily for 3 weeks. Administration of the active drug, but not of placebo, led to a significant decrease in lesional and pruritus scores. The median reduction from baseline of both scores was approximately 30%.

Differences in presentation and follow-up between HIV-1 antibody positive teenagers and adults: the need for a more focused approach to care?

Our findings show a high rate of loss to follow-up in HIV-positive teenagers compared with adults. Of concern is the fact that this group also have high rates of sexually transmitted infections, unprotected sex and pregnancy. There is an urgent need to examine the reasons for this and adopt strategies to minimize risk-taking behaviour and to improve access to appropriate healthcare.

Evaluation of FIV protein-expressing VEE-replicon vaccine vectors in cats.

Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus-replicon particles (VRP) were used to generate feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) Gag- and ENV-expressing vaccine vectors. Serum and mucosal FIV-specific antibody was detected in cats immunized subcutaneously, once monthly for 5 months, with FIV-expressing VRP. Expansion of the CD8+ L-selectin negative phenotype and transient CD8+ noncytolytic suppressor activity were seen in cats immunized with FIV-expressing or control VRP.

Glandular hypospadias repair.

Glandular hypospadias represents approximately 15% of the hypospadias variants seen. This article will examine common surgical approaches applicable to the child with glandular hypospadias. Hypospadias repairs discussed in this article will include urethromeatoplasty, MAGPI, the GAP procedure, MIV glans plasty, urethral advancement procedure, and parameatal based flap variants, including the Mathieu and Barcat procedures.

Characterization of CD3+ CD4- CD8- (double negative) T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: production of IL-4.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that may affect every organ or system in the body. We have shown previously that the TCR alphabeta+ subpopulation of CD3+ CD4- CD8-, DN T cells is expanded in patients with SLE and that double negative T cells express increased levels of activation markers compared both with healthy people and with patients with rheumatoid arthritis, (RA) as autoimmune controls. The aim of this study was to characterize these cells in terms of their ability to produce IL4, a Th2 cytokine, both spontaneously and after mitogen stimulation.

Characterization of CD3+ CD4- CD8- (double negative) T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: activation markers.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by B cell hyperactivity and the production of autoantibodies, some of which (antibodies to dsDNA) are thought to be pathogenic. T helper cells drive the production of autoantibodies and the aim of this study is to characterize phenotypically a subpopulation of T cells (the CD3+ CD4- CD8-, double negative (DN) T cells) previously identified as helping to enhance anti-DNA antibodies in patients with SLE. Data were obtained using FACS staining of DN T cells that had been purified from PBMCs by magnetic bead separation.

Multiple sclerosis in Malta in 1999: an update.

Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the islands of Malta and compare it with a previous study undertaken 21 years earlier, when a remarkably low prevalence was found.

Method: Deaths with MS on the death certificate since the last study were reviewed. Sources of information about new patients were the Hospital Activity Analysis scheme, the MS Society of Malta, the records of the state hospitals, long stay private hospitals and nursing homes, lists provided by the state pharmacies, and magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid, and evoked response studies.

Interleukin 4-producing CD4+ T cells in the skin of cats with allergic dermatitis.

Lesional skin of cats with allergic dermatitis has a cellular infiltrate and a CD4/CD8 ratio comparable to that in humans with atopic dermatitis. CD4+ helper T cells and in particular cells belonging to the Th2 subset play an important role in disease pathogenesis in humans. We investigated the cytokine pattern of CD4+ T cells in situ, with special emphasis on the putative presence of cells producing interleukin 4 (IL4), in cats with allergic dermatitis.

Synaptotagmin I-DeltaC2B. A novel synaptotagmin isoform with a single C2 domain in the bovine adrenal medulla.

Synaptotagmin I is a 65 kDa type 1 membrane glycoprotein found in secretory organelles that plays a key role in regulated exocytosis. We have characterised two forms (long and short) of synaptotagmin I that are present in the bovine adrenal medulla. The long form is a type I integral membrane protein which has two cytoplasmic C2 domains and corresponds to the previously characterised full-length synaptotagmin I isoform.

Developing a community program on cancer pain and fatigue.

Purpose: The overall purpose of this project was to establish a community-based educational model on pain and fatigue management for individuals with cancer. The specific aims were: 1) to develop an appropriate educational program; 2) to pilot test this program in a community setting that supported a self-care approach; and 3) to evaluate the program process and outcomes.

Description Of Program: The I Feel Better program was implemented through a two-session educational workshop taught by masters-prepared oncology nurses and was held at four Southern California sites of The Wellness Community.

Increasing the visibility of patient fatigue.

Objectives: To describe the process used by our cancer center to assess staff knowledge and attitudes about cancer-related fatigue, and to change clinical practice of fatigue assessment and management.

Data Sources: Review articles, research studies, guidelines, and questionnaires.

Conclusions: Change in clinical practice occurs slowly.

A multicentre comparative evaluation: washable pants with an integral pad for light incontinence.

The Continence Product Evaluation Network (CPE network) is funded by the Medical Devices Agency (MDA) of the Department of Health, to undertake comparative evaluations of continence products. There are a wide variety of continence products on the UK market and very little information is available to aid product selection. The aim of this study was to evaluate washable pants with integral pads for women with light incontinence.

Treatment of tuberculosis in HIV-infected persons in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Objective: To assess the risks and benefits of administering highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in HIV-infected patients.

Design And Methods: HIV-1 patients presenting to 12 HIV centres in Greater London and south-east England with culture-proven TB were identified from January 1996 to June 1999. Case-notes were reviewed retrospectively.

Surfing with spirochaetes: an ongoing syphilis outbreak in Brighton.

Background/objectives: There has been a recent shift in the epidemiology of early syphilis in the developed world with sporadic outbreaks on a historic low level of background disease. Here we describe an ongoing outbreak of syphilis in Brighton.

Methods: Data collected on all patients with a diagnosis of early infectious syphilis at Brighton GUM clinic.

Sheaths for urinary incontinence: a randomized crossover trial.

Objective: To evaluate the full range of self-adhesive continence sheaths for men available in the UK and thus provide clinicians and consumers with a basis for product selection.

Patients And Methods: Fifty-eight volunteers (aged 30-89 years) tested each of six different self-adhesive sheaths available in the UK in September 1998 for 1 week each. Thirty subjects applied the sheaths themselves and 28 subjects relied on a carer to do so.

Detection of anticardiolipin antibodies in culture supernatants.

Objective: We have attempted to devise a method for measuring the levels of anticardiolipin antibodies produced in in vitro culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with or without circulating anticardiolipin antibodies, patients with the primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and normal controls.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured for up to six days, in the presence or absence of added cytokines in the culture medium. Supernatants harvested after culture were tested by ELISA for the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies.