Effect of Modulen vs budesonide on clinical response and mucosal healing in Crohn’s patients

BACKGROUND Mucosal healing has become an important goal of Crohn’s disease(CD)treat-ments.Modulen,enriched with transforming growth factor-beta 2,and budeso-nide are commonly accepted treatments for mild-moderate CD.However,their effects on the small bowel(SB)mucosa remain underexplored.AIM To prospectively assess clinical and mucosal responses to Modulen vs budesonide in adults with CD,using SB capsule endoscopy.METHODS Thirty patients were divided into two groups:Modulen+home-based diet(21 patients)and budesonide(9 patients)for an eight-week intervention followed by four weeks of follow-up.Clinical,laboratory,and endoscopic responses were evaluated.The mucosal changes were assessed through SB capsule endoscopy.RESULTS Results indicated significant clinical improvement in the Modulen group with reduced CD activity index(P=0.041)and improved inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire score(P=0.016).Moreover,Modulen was associated with a signifi-cant SB mucosal improvement,evidenced by a decrease in Lewis score(P=0.027).No significant changes were observed in calprotectin or other laboratory parame-ters.Conversely,budesonide exhibited more modest clinical effects,but it improved calprotectin,hemoglobin,and C-reactive protein levels(P=0.051,P=0.014,and P=0.038,respectively).The capsule endoscopy did not reveal a significant mucosal response in the budesonide group.CONCLUSION Both interventions have a role in CD treatment.Yet,their effects differ and may complement each other:Modulen yields clinical and mucosal improvements,while budesonide primarily leads mainly to laboratory improvements.

Effect of erythromycin on image quality and transit time of capsule endoscopy: A two-center study

AIM: To compare the effect of oral erythromycin vs no preparation with prokinetics on the transit time and the image quality of capsule endoscopy (CE) in evaluating small bowel (SB) pathology. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, blinded (to the type of preparation) review of 100 CE studies, 50 with no preparation with prokinetics from one medical center (Group A) and 50 from another center with administration of a single dose of 200 mg oral erythromycin 1 h prior to CE (Group B). Gastric, SB and total transit times were calculated, the presence of bile in the duodenum was scored, as was cleanliness within the proximal, middle and distal intestine. RESULTS: The erythromycin group had a slightly shorter gastric transit time (21 min vs 28 min, with no statistical significance). SB transit time was similar for both groups (all P > 0.05). Total transit time was almost identical in both groups. The rate of incomplete examination was 16% for Group A and 10% for Group B (P = 0.37). Bile and cleanliness scores in different parts of the intestine were similar for the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preparation for capsule endoscopy with erythromycin does not affect SB or total transit time. It tends to reduce gastric transit time, but it does not increase the cecum-reaching rate. Erythromycin does not adversely affect image quality. We consider the routine use of oral erythromycin preparation as being unjustified, although it might be considered in patients with known prolonged gastric emptying time.

Ensure preparation and capsule endoscopy:A two-center prospective study

AIM:To compare small bowel(SB) cleanliness and capsule endoscopy(CE) image quality following Ensure,polyethylene glycol(PEG) and standard preparations.METHODS:A preparation protocol for CE that is both efficacious and acceptable to patients remains elusive.Considering the physiological function of the SB as a site for the digestion and absorption of food and not as a stool reservoir,preparation consisting of a liquid,fiber-free formula ingested one day before a CE study might have an advantage over other kinds of preparations.We conducted a prospective,blind-topreparation,two-center study that compared four types of preparations.The participants' demographic and clinical data were collected.Gastric and SB transit times were calculated.The presence of bile in the duodenum was scored by a single,blinded-to-preparation gastroenterologist expert in CE,as was cleanliness within the proximal,middle and distal part of the SB.A four-point scale was used(grade 1 = no bile or residue,grade 4 ≥ 90% of lumen full of bile or residual material).RESULTS:The 198 consecutive patients who were referred to CE studies due to routine medical reasons were divided into four groups.They all observed a 12-h overnight fast before undergoing CE.Throughout the 24 h preceding the fast,control group 1(n = 45 patients) ate light unrestricted meals,control group 2(n = 81) also ate light meals but free of fruits and vegetables,the PEG group(n = 50) ate unrestricted light meals and ingested the PEG preparation,and the Ensure group(n = 22) ingested only the Ensure formula.Preparation with Ensure improved the visualization of duodenal mucosa(a score of 1.76) by decreasing the bile content compared to preparation with PEG(a score of 2.9)(P = 0.053).Overall,as expected,there was less residue and stool in the proximal part of the SB than in the middle and distal parts in all groups.The total score of cleanliness throughout the length of the SB showed some benefit for Ensure(a score of 1.8) over control group 2(a score of 2)(P = 0.06).The cleanliness grading of the proximal and distal parts of the SB was similar in all four groups(P = 0.6 for both).The cleanliness in the middle part of the SB in the PEG(a score of 1.8) and Ensure groups(a score of 1.7) was equally better than that of control group 2(a score of 2.1)(P = 0.057 and P = 0.07,respectively).All 50 PEG patients had diarrhea as an anticipated side effect,compared with only one patient in the Ensure group.CONCLUSION:Preparation with Ensure,a liquid,fiber-free formula has advantages over standard and PEG preparations,with significantly fewer side effects than PEG.

以色列突发大规模伤亡事件应急体系对我国西部应急医疗体系建设的启示

以色列突发大规模伤亡事件的应急体系,具有合理的组织构架、训练有素的团队成员、和谐的医护警配合、充足的应急物资储备、强大的通讯设施、丰富的实战及演练经验。针对中国西部(以青海省,新疆、西藏自治区为例)的应急医疗体系中存在的问题,可借鉴以色列应急体系,构建区域特色的医疗卫生应急体系,进一步确保人民生命安全。

中国公共安全防控脆性浅探

中国目前在公共安全的防控方面存在脆性一面,主要表现在防控体系建设不完善、日常管理缺陷、国家投入不足,以及公众意识薄弱等方面。笔者结合一些实际的公共安全案例,对比国内外的公共安全防控现状,对我国防控脆性进行了探讨。

Vitamin D supplementation improves sustained virologic response in chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1)-nave patients

AIM: To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were randomized into two groups: the treatment group (n = 36, 50% male, mean age 47 ± 11 years) received Peg-α-2b interferon (1.5 μg/kg per week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/d) together with vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d, target serum level > 32 ng/mL), and the control group (n = 36, 60% male, mean age 49 ± 7 years) received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV-RNA was assessed by realtime polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity, 10 IU/mL). The sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 wk post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The treatment group had a higher mean bodymass index (27 ± 4 kg/m2 vs 24 ± 3 kg/m2, P < 0.01), viral load (50% vs 42%, P < 0.01), and fibrosis score (> F2: 42% vs 19%, P < 0.001) than the controls. At week 4, 16 (44%) treated patients and 6 (17%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At week 12, 34 (94%) treated patients and 17 (48%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At 24 wk post-treatment (SVR), 31 (86%) treated patients and 15 (42%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). Viral load, advanced fibrosis and vitamin D supplementation were strongly and independently associated with SVR (multivariate analysis). Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg-α-2b/ribavirin. CONCLUSION: Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg-α-2b/ribavirin therapy for treatment-na■ve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection significantly improves the viral response.

Vitamin D improves viral response in hepatitis C genotype 2-3 nave patients

AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized consecutively into two groups: Treatment group [20 subjects, age 48 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6, 65% male], who received 180 μg pegylated α-interferon-2a plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d (Peg/RBV), together with oral vitamin D3 (Vitamidyne D drops; 2000 IU/d, 10 drops/d, normal serum level > 32 ng/mL) for 24 wk; and control group (30 subjects, age 45 ± 10 years, BMI 26 ± 3, 60% male), who received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV RNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 12 and 24 wk after treatment was considered as rapid virological response, complete early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Biomarkers of in? ammation were measured. RESULTS: The treatment group with vitamin D hadhigher BMI (30 ± 6 vs 26 ± 3, P < 0.02), and high viral load (> 400 000 IU/mL, 65% vs 40%, P < 0.01) than controls. Ninety-fi ve percent of treated patients were HCV RNA negative at week 4 and 12. At 24 wk after treatment (SVR), 19/20 (95%) treated patients and 23/30 (77%) controls were HCV RNA negative (P < 0.001). Baseline serum vitamin D levels were lower at baseline (20 ± 8 ng/mL) and increased after 12 wk vitamin D treatment, to a mean level of (34 ± 11 ng/ mL). Logistic regression analysis identifi ed vitamin D supplement [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.9, P < 0.001], serum vitamin D levels (< 15 or > 15 ng/mL, OR 2.2, P < 0.01), and BMI (< 30 or > 30, OR 2.6, P < 0.01) as independent predictors of viral response. Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg/RBV. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels predicts negative treatment outcome, and adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy for patients with HCV genotype 2-3 signifi cantly improves viral response.

Women's willingness to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus during pregnancy: A review

Mother-to-child-transmission of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) is a primary cause of pediatric infections with HIV. Many of these infections involve women who were not tested early enough in pregnancy, or who didnot receive prevention services. HIV testing of pregnant women is considered to be one of the key strategies for preventing mother-to-child-transmission of HIV, but HIV testing rates among pregnant women in various countries remain suboptimal. Understanding the factors relating to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy is critical for developing strategies to increase HIV testing rates among pregnant women. Extensive research points to various factors relating to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy, and various recommendations aimed at improving testing rates among pregnant women have been suggested based on the research. In light of the goals set by the United Nations to reduce the rate of infants infected with HIV, it is necessary to summarize what is currently known regarding factors related to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy. The purpose of this review is therefore to examine factors related to women's willingness to be tested for HIV during pregnancy, and to summarize recommendations for practice and further research.

Post-pyloric feeding

Postpyloric feeding is an important and promising alternative to parenteral nutrition. The indications for this kind of feeding are increasing and include a variety of clinical conditions, such as gastroparesis, acute pancreatitis, gastric outlet stenosis, hyperemesis (including gravida), recurrent aspiration, tracheoesophageal fistula and stenosis in gastroenterostomy. This review discusses the differences between pre- and postpyloric feeding, indications and contraindications, advantages and disadvantages, and provides an overview of the techniques of placement of various postpyloric devices.

伤口管理的新技术在重度难愈性伤口处理中的临床应用（英文）

伤口的感染导致创面修复成为一个复杂和缓慢的过程。伤口闭合时间的长短可以直接影响到创面的感染率、发病率、患者的死亡率、抗生素的使用频率、耐药菌形成的几率和相关的经济消费情况。伤口愈合的越早，感染和瘢痕的形成几率越低。TopClosure@皮肤牵张系统（Top Closure ^（R） tension relief system，TRS）及其可调控伤口内氧含量和可冲洗伤口的负压辅助创面治疗（regulated oxygen—enriched＆irrigation negative pressure-assisted wound therapy，ROI—NPT）技术的联合应用，明显缩短了伤口的闭合时间，降低了患者其他药物的使用频率，缩短了患者的住院时间。这种先进的治疗方法的协同应用，为伤口的处理提出了一个全新的概念，优化和改善了伤口的愈合功能，形成了新的伤口治疗和护理标准。

Coblation Intracapsular Tonsillectomy and Coblation Complete Tonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective: Total tonsillectomy and intracapsular tonsillectomy are common procedures for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of coblation intracapsular tonsillectomy (ICT) and coblation complete tonsillectomy (CT) as treatments for OSA. Study design: A retrospective study of all the children ages 2 - 18 years with OSA who underwent coblation intracapsular tonsillectomy (ICT) or coblation complete tonsillectomy (CT) from January 2007 to August 2010 by the same surgeons at one institution. Methods: Data were retrieved from children’s charts and from telephone interviews with children’s parents, regarding pre and postoperative OSA-18 scores, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, use of analgesic drugs, and time to return to a solid food diet. Results: All 43 children who underwent ICT and 37 children who underwent CT suffered from OSA before surgery, and none did postoperatively. There were no minor complications in the ICT group, compared to 13.5% in the CT group (p = 0.01). According to parental report, 72% and 21% suffered a low level of postoperative pain, and 9% and 33% severe pain in the ICT and CT groups, respectively. For these respective groups, 49% and 73% needed analgesic drugs (p < 0.05);and 65% and 35% ate solid food during the first 3 days post surgery. Conclusions: Both ICT and CT were safe, with few complications;however recovery was faster in the ICT group, as demonstrated by less pain, and more rapid return to a solid food diet.

胶囊内窥镜在诊断不明原因消化道出血中的应用

Objectives: Chronic occult blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract is a recognized major cause of iron-deficiency anemia. After conventional investigation of the upper and lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the source of bleeding remains unidentified in～10%of these patients. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy from patients enrolled in clinical studies due to persistent or recurrent iron-deficiency anemia. Methods: In this large cohort study, patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were identified in a companysponsored clinical study (Given Imaging, Ltd.) database which contains data from >50 clinical studies. Information on suitable patients was derived from 31 of them. Each subject swallowed an M2AGiven Capsule containing a miniature video camera, batteries, a transmitter and an antenna. Recording time was ～8 h. The capsule was excreted naturally in the patients bowel movement, and the data it transmitted were retrieved and interpreted the next day. Results: 293 patients were studied (135 males, 46.1%, mean age 59.4 ±16.8 years) whose mean number of bleeding episodes was 4.3 ±5.5 and mean hemoglobin level was 9.8 ±2.4 g/dl. The average number of diagnostic procedures per patient prior to the capsule endoscopy study was 5.59. Capsule endoscopy detected definitive findings in 213/293 patients (72%) and findings missed by other diagnostic procedures in 22/293 patients (8%). Neither capsule endoscopy nor the other diagnostic procedures yielded diagnoses in 58/293 patients (20%). Conclusions: Capsule endoscopy has a high diagnostic yield in evaluating patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Preventive treatment of alveolar pulmonary edema of cardiogenic origin

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of preventive treatment (PT) on alveolar pulmonary edema (APE) of cardiogenic origin using a monitor based on principles of internal thoracic impedance (ITI) measurements.Methods We conducted blinded clinical trials on patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and monitored whether the condition would progress to APE. ITI was measured noninvasively by the Edema Guard Monitor (EGM, model RS-207) every 30 min. The measurement threshold for the diagnosis of APE was fixed at > 12% decrease in ITI from baseline as described in our methodology. The patients were divided into one group that received standard treatment after the appearance of clinical signs of APE without considering the prediction of APE by EGM devise (Group 1), and another group of asymptomatic patients in whom development of APE was predicted by using only EGM measurements (Group 2). The latter participants’PT consisted of furosemide, intravenous nitroglycerine and supplemental oxygen. Results One-hundred and fifty patients with acute STEMI were enrolled into this study. Group 1 included 100 patients (53% males, age 64.1 ±12.6 years). Treatment was started after the clinical appearance of overt signs of APE. Group 2 included 50 patients (54% males, age 65.2 ±11.9 years) who received PT based on EGMmeasurements. Group 2 had significantly fewer cases of APE (n = 4, 8%) than Group 1 (n = 100, 100%) (P > 0.001). While APE was lethal in six (6%) Group 1 patients, PT resulted in prompt resolution of APE in all four (8%) Group 2 patients. Conclusion ITI is a usefulmodality for early diagnosis and PT of pulmonary edema of cardiogenic origin.

Seasonal changes in blood pressure:Cardiac and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality

Cold is a seasonal and circadian risk factor for cardioand cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Colder temperatures have been associated with higher blood pressure(BP), based on studies which show that BP levels measured during the summer months are generally lower than those measured during the winter months. Residents in geographic areas which have greater seasonal temperature differences show greater fluctuation in BP. Surprisingly, atmospheric pressure, rainfall, and humidity were not related to BP levels. The increased sympathetic nervous activity due to cold, as evidenced by elevated BP and by plasma and urinary catecholamines, has been proposed as being the underlying etiology. Patients with heart failure may experience, in cold conditions, endothelial dysfunction and produce fewer endogenous vasodilators(e.g., nitric oxide, prostaglandins) and more endogenous vasoconstrictors(e.g., endothelin), thus increasing afterload. Arterial stiffness is also related to seasonal BP changes. Increased BP, arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction could predispose to increased coronary and cerebrovascular events. Improved protection against lower temperatures or increased doses of existing medications or the addition of newer medications could lead to a reduction in increased cardiovascular mortality in winter. Here, we briefly review findings from existing literature and provide an update on seasonal long-term variation in BP along with the related complications.

Utilization of Artificial Intelligence for Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women Residing in Areas with Low Resources: An Overview

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a distressing condition involving involuntary loss of urine from the body. Urinary incontinence can negatively impact a person’s overall quality of life and lead them into stages of embarrassment and depression. It is an underrepresented and undertreated condition prevalent in women, especially in low socioeconomic regions where women may not be able to express their concerns due to unawareness of diagnosis and treatment/management options. There are different diagnostic and management protocols for UI;however, utilizing artificially intelligent systems is not standard care. This paper overviews the use of artificial intelligence in women’s health and as a means of cost-effectively diagnosing patients, and as an avenue for providing low-cost treatments to women that suffer from urinary incontinence in low-resource communities. Studies found that these systems, mainly utilizing artificial neural networks (ANNs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), served to be an effective method in diagnosing patients and providing an avenue for personalized treatment for improved patient outcomes. A simple artificial intelligence (AI) model utilizing Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) Networks was proposed to diagnose and manage urinary incontinence.

Vaginal Robotic Supracervical Hysterectomy in an Ovine Animal Model: The Proof of Concept

Objective: To gain insight into the feasibility and safety of a novel vaginal robot for performing supracervical hysterectomy in an ovine model. Introduction: The clinical application of transvaginal natural or fice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) has broadened significantly. vNOTES reduces wound complications such as infection, hematoma formation, or herniation and is currently utilized for hysterectomy, adnexal surgery, myomectomy, and staging surgery for endometrial cancer. Robotic assistance has been proposed to overcome the current vNOTES mechanical obstacles. The implementation of the current robots has limited utility due to their bulk and inflexibility. Robotic Natural Orifice Transluminal Surgery (rNOTES) is the new frontier in advancement of surgical robots. In developing new task specific robots, it is important to utilize an accurate model for testing. A novel vaginal robot introduced through the posterior cul-de-sac to perform a complete retrograde hysterectomy is the subject of this study. Methods: The study was conducted at the animal lab, Asaf-Harofe hospital, Israel. The ovine model was preferred since the anatomical landmarks and vascular anatomy are comparable to the human except for a bicornuate uterus in sheep. A vaginal robotic supra-cervical hysterectomy was performed in a sheep. Results: A vaginal robotic supracervical hysterectomy was performed successfully in an ovine model. The uterus was extracted via the entry point in the pouch of Douglas. 20 cc of blood loss was reported and no complications were observed. Conclusions: Vaginal supracervical hysterectomy via a vaginal approach using a novel robotic system was found to be feasible.

Emergency Airway Obstruction in Newborn Due to Congenital Saccular Cyst

Laryngeal cyst causing neonatal airway obstruction during labor is a very rare condition [1]. Congenital laryngeal cysts are a rare cause of neonatal airway obstruction. Traditionally, these cysts have been treated surgically by endoscopic excision or marsupialization. However, the cyst often extends beyond the larynx. We describe a case of a newborn that, during delivery, became cyanotic due to airway obstruction and respiratory distress. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a saccular cyst obstructing airway during birth prior to intubation. The immediate and late treatments together with a literature review are described.

Clinical Photograph: “A Third Arythenoid?”

A case of anatomical variation of the hyoid bone in a girl is presented. Over-extended bending of the elongated and curved right side of the hyoid bone, may project to the lumen of the supraglottic area as the patient presented. She had a foreign body sensation in her throat, and on fiber optic laryngeal examination, a bulge’s appearance as a “third arythenoid” was seen. We present the clinical finding and the picture of a “third arythenoid” with literature review.

帕金森病患者痴呆家族史与幻觉之间的关系

Objective: To identify familial risk factors for hallucinations in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: Two hundred seventy-six outpatients with PD participated in the study. The presence of hallucinations was determined using a validated questionnaire, including items regarding the occurrence of visual, a uditory, or other types of hallucinations. Family history of PD and dementia was determined by a structured interview and examination of medical records and aff ected family members. Patients with young-onset PD ( < 50 years) who reported a nother PD patient among their siblings were tested for parkin mutations. Stepwis e logistic regression was applied for the detection of risk factors. The regress ion model included a set of family history-related variables (family history of PD and of dementia) and a set of disease-related variables (age, age at onset of PD, stage, duration of PD and of L-dopa therapy, L-dopa dose, and number of antiparkinsonian drugs). Results: Hallucinations were present in 32%of the 276 patients. Risk factors for hallucinations included Mini-Mental State Examinati on score (p < 0.0001) and positive family history of dementia (p=0.0005). Conclu sion: Family history of dementia and lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores are risk factors for hallucinations in Parkinson disease.

皮肤外扩张器修复巨大创面二例

由于皮肤软组织扩张器不能用于腹部等皮下无支撑的部位及开放性创面，由此大量相关器械得到一定程度发展，并被广泛应用于临床。2015年肖潇等0报道1例采用皮肤外扩张器修复右颈肩部肿瘤切除的病例，2014年9月至2015年5月，我们应用皮肤外扩张器治疗皮肤软组织巨大创面2例，取得较好的效果。