Search

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate evolution of ultra-processed food intake and recurrent weight gain in patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Materials and Methods: This study is an observational longitudinal study that evaluated patients who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery at four time points: before surgery and at 3, 12, and 60 months after surgery. Anthropometric and dietary intake data were collected through two 24-h dietary recalls. All foods consumed were classified according to degree of processing. Recurrent weight gain was considered the difference between current weight and nadir weight. Results: The sample consisted of 58 patients with a mean age of 38.7 ± 8.9 years and 68% female. After 60 months, mean excess weight loss and recurrent weight gain were 73.6 ± 27.2% and 22.5 ± 17.4%. Calorie and macronutrient intake decreased significantly between the pre-surgery period, and 3 and 12 months post-surgery; however, there was no significant difference after 60 months. In relation to food groups or macronutrients, no difference was observed between the pre-surgery period and 60 months post-surgery. The contribution of unprocessed or minimally processed foods to calorie intake gradually decreased after 3 months post-surgery. Conclusion: The profile of dietary intake after 60 months of metabolic and bariatric surgery tends to approach that of the pre-surgery period. The contribution of unprocessed and minimally processed foods to calorie intake decreased after 60 months, while ultra-processed food contribution increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anaesthesist is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the past few decades, neuroimaging has become a ubiquitous tool in basic research and clinical studies of the human brain. However, no reference standards currently exist to quantify individual differences in neuroimaging metrics over time, in contrast to growth charts for anthropometric traits such as height and weight1. Here we assemble an interactive open resource to benchmark brain morphology derived from any current or future sample of MRI data (). With the goal of basing these reference charts on the largest and most inclusive dataset available, acknowledging limitations due to known biases of MRI studies relative to the diversity of the global population, we aggregated 123,984 MRI scans, across more than 100 primary studies, from 101,457 human participants between 115 days post-conception to 100 years of age. MRI metrics were quantified by centile scores, relative to non-linear trajectories2 of brain structural changes, and rates of change, over the lifespan. Brain charts identified previously unreported neurodevelopmental milestones3, showed high stability of individuals across longitudinal assessments, and demonstrated robustness to technical and methodological differences between primary studies. Centile scores showed increased heritability compared with non-centiled MRI phenotypes, and provided a standardized measure of atypical brain structure that revealed patterns of neuroanatomical variation across neurological and psychiatric disorders. In summary, brain charts are an essential step towards robust quantification of individual variation benchmarked to normative trajectories in multiple, commonly used neuroimaging phenotypes.MRI data from more than 100 studies have been aggregated to yield new insights about brain development and ageing, and create an interactive open resource for comparison of brain structures throughout the human lifespan, including those associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interoceptive awareness is the conscious perception of sensations that create a sense of the physiological condition of the body. A validation study for the Japanese translation of the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) surprised with a factor structure different from the original English-language version by eliminating two of eight scales. This prompted an exploration of the similarities and differences in interoceptive bodily awareness between Japanese and European Americans. Bicultural Japanese-Americans discussed concepts and experiences in the two cultures. We conducted focus groups and qualitative thematic analyses of transcribed recordings. 16 participants illustrated cross-cultural differences in interoceptive bodily awareness: switching between languages changes embodied experience; external versus internal attention focus; social expectations and body sensations; emphasis on form versus self-awareness; personal space; and mind–body relationship; context dependency of bodily awareness and self-construal. The participants explained key concepts that present challenges for a Japanese cultural adaptation of the MAIA, specifically the concept of self-regulation lost in the factor analysis. In Japanese culture, self-regulation serves the purpose of conforming to social expectations, rather than achieving an individual self-comforting sense of homeostasis. Our findings will inform the next phase of improving the MAIA's cross-cultural adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Z-endoxifen is the most potent of the metabolites of tamoxifen, and has the potential to be more effective than tamoxifen because it bypasses potential drug resistance mechanisms attributable to patient variability in the expression of the hepatic microsomal enzyme CYP2D6. F-FES is a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent which selectively binds to estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and has been used for non-invasive in vivo assessment of ER activity in tumors. This study utilizes F-FES PET imaging as a pharmacodynamic biomarker in patients with ER+ tumors treated with Z-endoxifen. Methods: Fifteen patients were recruited from a parent therapeutic trial of Z-endoxifen and underwent imaging with F-FES PET at baseline. Eight had positive lesions on the baseline scan and underwent follow-up imaging with F-FES 1-5 days post administration of Z-endoxifen. Results: Statistically significant changes ( p = 0.0078) in standard uptake value (SUV)-Max were observed between the baseline and follow-up scans as early as 1 day post drug administration. Conclusion: F-FES PET imaging could serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for patients treated with ER-directed therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transseptal catheterization of the interatrial septum has traditionally been performed under the guidance of fluoroscopy, echocardiography, and hemodynamic pressure monitoring. We hypothesized that the fossa ovalis could be identified on pre-ablation chest computerized tomography (CT) scan utilizing EnSite Verismo and Fusion software thereby permitting its real-time visualization during transseptal puncture.Objective: The purpose of this study is to generate multi-center data demonstrating the feasibility of the identification of the fossa ovalis and visualization of the transseptal needle tip using EnSite Verismo segmentation and EnSite Fusion prior to transseptal puncture.Methods: Patients scheduled to undergo transseptal puncture for ablation were enrolled. Pre-ablation CT scans were performed in all patients. The Verismo software tool was used to import and segmentally manipulate a three-dimensional CT image on the EnSite system workstation. EnSite Fusion registration was used to register the right atrial image and label and confirm the fossa ovalis' location prior to transseptal puncture.Results: Analysis of the pre-ablation CT scan using EnSite Fusion successfully allowed assessment of the anatomy and location of the fossa ovalis. Additionally, the transseptal needle tip location was located within the CT scan designated fossa ovalis location in 96% of cases.Conclusion: It is possible to visualize the fossa ovalis on pre-ablation CT and localize the transseptal needle accurately within the margins of the fossa ovalis utilizing EnSite Fusion and Verismo software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. are responsible for endemic and epidemic disease worldwide. Clinical manifestations may include acute, persistent, or chronic diarrhea, biliary, and pulmonary disease. Disease severity ranges from asymptomatic or mild to severe, intractable diarrhea with wasting depending on immune status, nutrition, and age. Transmission is fecal–oral with both human and animal reservoirs. Disease is often self limited in healthy individuals, but therapy remains a challenge in the immune-compromised. Prevention currently depends on appropriate hygiene and proper water management and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The economic and environmental effects were compared between disposable and reusable instruments used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Special consideration was given to the processing of reusable instruments in the Miele G 7736 CD MCU washer disinfector and the resultant cost of sterilization.Methods: The instruments frequently used in their disposable form were identified with the help of surgeons. Thus, of all the instruments used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the disposable and reusable versions of trocars, scissors, and Veress cannula were compared.Results: For the case examined in this study, the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with disposable instruments was 19 times more expensive that for reusable instruments. The higher cost of using disposable instruments is primarily attributable to the purchase price of the instruments. The processing of reusable instruments has little significance in terms of cost, whereas the cost for disposing of disposable instruments is the least significant factor. The number of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed per year does not substantially influence cost. In the authors' opinion, assessment of the environmental consequences shows that reusable instruments are environmentally advantageous.Conclusions: Considering the upward pressure of costs in hospitals, disposable instruments should be used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy only if they offer clear advantages over reusable instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis. The aim of this study was to assess whether cardiac catecholamine release is affected in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods. A trial tissue was obtained from 19 diabetic (Type 2) and 43 non-diabetic patients undergoing coronary surgery. Endogenous norepinephrine release was examined under baseline conditions as well as during electrical field stimulation (effective voltage 5 V, stimulation frequency 4 Hz, pulse width 2 msec) by high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. Cardiac function and arterial blood pressure was assessed from coronary angiography. Results. In atrial tissue from diabetic patients, stimulation-induced norepinephrine release was reduced by 25% compared with non-diabetic patients, while baseline norepinephrine release did not differ between both groups. Preoperative plasma glucose and haemoglobin A1C concentrations were increased in patients with diabetes, however, no relation was found to catecholamine release. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients did not differ regarding left ventricular ejection fraction and arterial blood pressure. Conclusion/interpretation. Cardiac norepinephrine release is suppressed in patients with Type 2 diabetes which could contribute to sympathetic neuropathy. The difference of norepinephrine release in diabetic and non-diabetic patients was independent of cardiac function and arterial blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernia is currently gaining in popularity. Many surgeons are discouraged by the difficulties inherent in learning this technique, by the choice of the laparoscopic approach, and by the absence of long-term follow-up results. Less postoperative pain, more favorable cosmetic results, and rapid recovery are, however, all good reasons to prefer this type of surgery over other procedures. This study concerns our retrospective experience with 210 hernias. The extraperitoneal approach was used for all hernias in our hospital between 1 January 1996 and 31 August 1999, and by the same operator. One hundred and fifty-five patients were operated for 210 hernias. The extraperitoneal approach was used in all cases. 3 ports (4 for bilateral hernias) were used. Non-absorbable mesh (15 × 10 cm) was left in place in all patients. Patients were contacted in August 1999 to evaluate long-term outcome. 147 men and 8 women with an average age of 57.5 years (21–86) were studied. 17 patients were treated for recurrent hernias and 18 others for a first-time contralateral episode. 53 patients underwent bilateral treatment. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 0.6% of patients. Mean operating time was 54 minutes. Early morbidity occured in 7.6% (urinary retention, seroma) with only 1 hernial recurrence (0.4%) Late follow-up was at 24 months on average and showed 7 seromas, 6 inguinal hematomas, and 10 patients with residual pain. Average hospital stay was 23 days (1–5). Good results were achieved in our series using the laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernias. 24 months follow-up confirmed minimal recurrence (0.4%) using this approach and an overall morbidity comparable to other surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response to interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) treatment in leukemias of the B-cell lineage shows a marked heterogeneity. A distinct subset of patients with B-CLL responds to treatment with IFNalpha, while the drug has no therapeutic effect in the majority of patients. The mechanism of this phenomenon is poorly understood. The cellular events induced by this cytokine mediated by a number of specific signaling events. Therefore, we studied the effect of recombinant IFNalpha on tyrosine phosphorylation and proliferation of cytosolic proteins in human cell lines and in freshly isolated B-CLL cells in order to test the potential value of these events as a pretreatment test for IFNalpha in CLL. In human lymphoid cell lines, IFNalpha induced tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple cytosolic proteins in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This effect correlated with its growth-inhibitory effect in almost all cell lines. In marked contrast, in freshly isolated B-CLL cells IFNalpha seemed to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on proliferation, but it consistently stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation. Moreover, the clinical response of B-CLL to IFNalpha did not correlate with the activation of tyrosine kinases nor with the inhibition of cell growth in vitro. Therefore, the assessment of IFNalpha-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of cytosolic phospho-proteins does not allow to predict the treatment response to IFNalpha in CLL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Blut: Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Blutforschung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Blut: Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Blutforschung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Blut: Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Blutforschung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paradoxical movement of the mediastinum, in relation to the respiratory cycle, is a valuable fluoroscopie sign in the evaluation of partial obstruction of air-flow through the trachea or larynx. Its recognition in the presence of the normal chest radiograms together with the clinical history of aspiration, is of importance in the diagnosis of a foregin body located above the tracheal bifurcation. The pathophysiology and the radiographic manifestations of this phenomenon are described. Various etiologies are discussed in which this sign is also seen. The experience with 18 pediatric patients is presented and 3 cases are outlined in details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirizzi syndrome is a form of obstructive jaundice caused by a stone impacted in the gallbladder neck or the cystic duct that impinges on the common hepatic duct with or without a cholecystocholedochal fistula. This syndrome is a rare complication of cholelithiasis that accounts for 0.1% of all patients with gallstone disease. Preoperative recognition is necessary to prevent injury to the common duct during surgery. We present a patient with a preoperative diagnosis of type I Mirizzi syndrome that was confirmed and drained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), followed by subtotal cholecystectomy. A review of the literature covering its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]