Crohn's disease genotypes of patients in remission vs relapses after infliximab discontinuation.

Aim: To investigate genetic differences between Crohn's disease (CD) patients with a sustained remission vs relapsers after discontinuing infliximab while in corticosteroid-free remission.

Methods: Forty-eight CD patients received infliximab and were in full corticosteroid-free clinical remission but then discontinued infliximab for reasons other than a loss of response, were identified by review of an electronic database and charts. Infliximab-associated remission was defined as corticosteroid-free plus normalization of clinical disease activity [CD activity index (CDAI) < 150] during follow-up visits based on physician global assessments.

The effect of spinal manipulative therapy on experimentally induced pain: a systematic literature review.

Background: Although there is evidence that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) can reduce pain, the mechanisms involved are not well established. There is a need to review the scientific literature to establish the evidence-base for the reduction of pain following SMT.

Objectives: To determine if SMT can reduce experimentally induced pain, and if so, if the effect is i) only at the level of the treated spinal segment, ii) broader but in the same general region as SMT is performed, or iii) systemic.

The effect of spinal manipulative therapy on spinal range of motion: a systematic literature review.

Background: Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has been shown to have an effect on spine-related pain, both clinically and in experimentally induced pain. However, it is unclear if it has an immediate noticeable biomechanical effect on spinal motion that can be measured in terms of an increased range of motion (ROM).

Objective: To assess the quality of the literature and to determine whether or not SMT is associated with an immediate increase in ROM.

A randomized trial of topical anesthesia comparing lidocaine versus lidocaine plus xylometazoline for unsedated transnasal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Background: The optimal topical anesthesia regimen for unsedated transnasal endoscopy is unknown. The addition of a nasal decongestant, such as xylometazoline (X), to a topical anesthestic may improve patient comfort.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of lidocaine (L) versus L plus X (LX) for anesthesia in unsedated transnasal endoscopy.

Early experience with unsedated ultrathin 4.9 mm transnasal gastroscopy: a pilot study.

Background: Unsedated transnasal gastroscopy is a technique with unverified clinical advantages.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and procedure times with transnasal gastroscopy by physicians with no previous experience in transnasal endoscopy.

Methods: Unsedated transnasal gastroscopy using 4.