Effects of aromatase inhibitor therapy on adiposity and cardiometabolic health in postmenopausal women: a controlled cohort extension study.

Purpose: We previously demonstrated that 12 months of aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment was not associated with a difference in body composition or other markers of cardiometabolic health when compared to controls. Here we report on the pre-planned extension of the study. The pre-specified primary hypothesis was that AI therapy for 24 months would lead to increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area when compared to controls.

Potential New Approaches to Modifying Intestinal GLP-1 Secretion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus : Focus on Bile Acid Sequestrants.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a progressive decline in insulinproducing pancreatic β-cells, an increase in hepatic glucose production, and a decrease in insulin sensitivity. The incretin hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) stimulate glucose-induced insulin secretion; however, in patients with type 2 diabetes, the incretin system is impaired by loss of the insulinotropic effects of GIP as well as a possible reduction in secretion of GLP-1. Agents that modify GLP-1 secretion may have a role in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Potential new approaches to modifying intestinal GLP-1 secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: focus on bile acid sequestrants.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a progressive decline in insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells, an increase in hepatic glucose production, and a decrease in insulin sensitivity. The incretin hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) stimulate glucose-induced insulin secretion; however, in patients with type 2 diabetes, the incretin system is impaired by loss of the insulinotropic effects of GIP as well as a possible reduction in secretion of GLP-1. Agents that modify GLP-1 secretion may have a role in the management of type 2 diabetes.

A virtual surgery in general practice: evaluation of a novel undergraduate virtual patient learning package.

Background: A suite of 10 online virtual patients developed using the IVIMEDS 'Riverside' authoring tool has been introduced into our undergraduate general practice clerkship. These cases provide a multimedia-rich experience to students. Their interactive nature promotes the development of clinical reasoning skills such as discriminating key clinical features, integrating information from a variety of sources and forming diagnoses and management plans.

Self care and end of life care in advanced cancer: literature review.

Background: Self care is a key feature of health care policy in the UK. It has been suggested that self care by patients with cancer improves quality of life, symptom management, and patient satisfaction. However, little is known about self care and end of life care.

Perceptions of the use of a remote monitoring system in patients receiving palliative care at home.

In remote communities, where frequent face-to-face contact with health professionals may be difficult, the ongoing review and management of symptoms--a fundamental part of good palliative care--can be difficult to achieve. Telecare and other developments in information technology are increasingly being sought as a means of addressing shifting population demographics and rising demands on stretched health services, and may help in providing a system which allows patients to report their symptoms as they are happening. This may be one way of enhancing symptom management and improving quality of care at the end of life.

Pressure ulcer prevention in palliative care 1: results of a UK survey.

Pressure ulcer prevention is an important aspect of palliative care nursing. This article reports part 1 of the results of a postal questionnaire survey of all 206 palliative care inpatient units listed in the St Christopher's' information service hospice directory. The key areas surveyed were current pressure ulcer prevention policies in use in UK palliative care units and current practice in relation to pressure ulcer risk assessment.