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Purpose: Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms (MUPS) have a large impact on patient's quality of life. Most studies have been limited to chronic MUPS and thus, little is known about moderate MUPS. Improved knowledge concerning determinants influencing quality of life in moderate MUPS patients can be helpful in managing MUPS. This study is aimed at describing the common characteristics seen in moderate MUPS patients and compare them with characteristics seen in chronic MUPS patients and general population. We also identified determinants of the physical and mental components of quality of life in moderate MUPS patients.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, moderate MUPS patients (n = 160) were compared with chronic MUPS patients (n = 162) and general population (n = 1742) based on demographic characteristics and patient's quality of life. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify determinants associated with a patient's quality of life, assessed with the RAND-36.Results: Moderate MUPS patients experienced a better quality of life than chronic MUPS patients, but a worse quality of life as compared to the general population. Determinants associated with the physical and mental components of quality of life explain 49.1% and 62.9% of the variance, respectively.Conclusion: Quality of life of patients with MUPS varies with MUPS disease stage. Based on their quality of life scores, moderate MUPS patients would be adequately distinguished from chronic MUPS patients. Half of the variance in the physical component and almost two thirds of the mental component would be explained by a number of MUPS-related symptoms and perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying factors that predict health-related quality of life (QOL) following hematopoietic SCT, is important in estimating patients' abilities to adjust to the consequences of their disease and treatment. As the studies that have been published on this subject are scattered, the present study aimed to systematically review prognostic factors for health-related QOL after auto- and allo-SCT in hematological malignancies. A systematic, computerized search in Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library was conducted from 2002 to June 2010. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using an adaptation of Hayden's criteria list. Qualitative data synthesis was performed to determine the strength of the scientific evidence. In all, 35 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Strong-moderate evidence was found for GVHD, conditioning regimen, being female, younger age, receiving less social support and pre-transplant psychological distress as predictors of various aspects of health-related QOL following hematopoietic SCT. The results of this review may help transplant teams in selecting patients at risk for experiencing a diminished health-related QOL following hematopoietic SCT. Follow-up treatment can be provided in order to promote QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate whether sodium fluoride (NaF) is able to prevent bone loss in patients treated with corticosteroids (Cs), we performed a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial with 44 Cs-treated patients without established osteoporosis, defined as the absence of previous peripheral fractures and vertebral deformities on radiographs. The effects of NaF (25 mg twice daily) and placebo on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and hips were compared at baseline and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. After 2 years, the BMD of the lumbar spine had decreased in the placebo group by 3.0% (95% CI: −4.9% to −1.0%; p<0.01); in the NaF group there was a statistically insignificant increase in BMD of 2.2% (95% CI: −0.8% to +5.3%). The difference in the changes in BMD between the two groups was +5.2% (95% CI: +1.8% to +8.6%; p<0.01). In the hips, BMD had decreased after 2 years in both groups: in the placebo group by −3.0% (95% CI: −5.0% to −1.0%; p<0.05) and in the NaF group by 3.8% (95% CI: −6.1% to −1.5%; p<0.01). The difference in the changes in BMD between the two groups was not significant: +0.8% (95% CI: −2.1% to +3.8%). Three vertebral deformities were observed in the placebo group and one in the NaF group (insignificant difference), while no peripheral fractures occurred during the study period. It is concluded that in Cs-treated patients without established osteoporosis NaF prevents bone loss in the lumbar spine but does not have a positive effect on the BMD of the hips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenous opioid systems have been implicated in experimental cocaine addiction. One aspect of this involvement may be the modulation of the motivational properties of cocaine by endogenous opioids. The present study assessed the effect of opioid blockade with naloxone (NLX) on cocaine's motivational properties using the conditioned place preference procedure. Treatment with doses of NLX that did not induce place aversion (0.01-1.0 mg/kg, SC), dose-dependently attenuated place preference induced by cocaine (10 or 20 mg/kg, IP). This effect of NLX was present when administered during acquisition of cocaine-induced place preference and when administered before expression of cocaine's motivational effects. These data support the notion that the (conditioned) motivational properties of cocaine are modulated through activation of opioid systems by endogenous opioid peptides. Furthermore, it is suggested that an interaction between endogenous opioid systems and dopaminergic systems in the brain might be of importance in the motivational facilitation of experimental cocaine addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) enema and a BDP/mesalazine combination enema (containing 2 mg BDP and 1 g mesalazine and 2 mg BDP, respectively per 40 ml) were formulated. BDP and mesalazine were suspended in a carbomer-water gel. No degradation of BDP was measured during the storage period of the BDP enema (4 weeks at 20°C) and of the BDP/mesalazine enema (44 days at 4°C, 20°C and 37°C, respectively). Progressive darkening of colour occurred for the BDP/mesalazine enema during storage at 20°C and at 37°C, probably induced by mesalazine degradation products. Only very slight colouring was observed at 4°C. Hardly any precipitation of BDP and mesalazine was seen during the storage period and the enemas could easily be resuspended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]