analysis of mucosal lipids reveals histological disease activity in ulcerative colitis using endoscope-coupled Raman spectroscopy.

The goal of this study is to evaluate endoscopic Raman spectroscopy as a noninvasive technique to determine histological inflammatory status of colitis. Colon mucosal composition was investigated from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and from age- and body mass index (BMI) matched controls using endoscope-coupled Raman spectroscopy. The results were co-registered with histological assessment of inflammatory status at the same locations.

Gastritis cystica profunda: Endoscopic ultrasound findings and review of the literature.

Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is a rare pseudotumor of the stomach characterized by benign growths of deep gastric glands through the muscularis mucosae into the submucosa. We review a case of GCP in a 61-year-old patient with GCP, with emphasis on endoscopic ultrasound findings and present review of the current literature.

Artificial nutrition and hydration: the evolution of ethics, evidence, and policy.

Introduction: The debate over use of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in terminal illness, including advanced dementia, remains contentious despite extensive ethical and empirical investigation.

Methods: For this narrative review we undertook a focused, selective review of literature reflecting ethical analysis, empirical assessment of outcomes, legal responses, and thinking within the Roman Catholic religious tradition.

Results: The history of the debate over the past 60 years results from a complex interplay of ethical concerns, a growing empirical database, legal changes, public opinion, and financial as well as institutional concerns.