A Cancer “Vaccine” That Wipes out Tumors is Ready for Human Trial

A Cancer “Vaccine” That Wipes out Tumors is Ready for Human Trial

Cancer is one of those diseases that still manages to strike absolute fear in anyone that hears it, whether that diagnosis is reserved for the person in question or for someone close to them. It is easy to understand why. After all, it wasn’t all that many years ago that virtually any cancer diagnosis was practically a guaranteed death sentence. Even today, there are still a lot of types of cancer that can’t be effectively treated with the kinds of medical treatment that are currently utilized. For individuals suffering from the more aggressive types of the disease, there is still relatively little hope for a cure. Even in those individuals that are considered cancer-free, there is always a chance that it can come back again and again. As a result, very few people that have heard this word ever feel totally cured.

Diagnosis of Fetal Structural Anomalies at 11 to 14 Weeks

Diagnosis of Fetal Structural Anomalies at 11 to 14 Weeks

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the performance of first‐trimester ultrasound (US) in identifying major fetal structural abnormalities in an unselected population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all pregnancies that underwent the 11‐ to 14‐week scan in the Fetal Medicine Department of Filantropia Hospital in Bucharest, which were prospectively examined within our screening program. The purpose of the first‐trimester US was to evaluate the risk for chromosomal abnormalities and to conduct fetal anatomic examination using a detailed protocol.

Results

Our population consisted of 7480 pregnant patients (7576 fetuses). The follow‐up was completed for 6045 patients (6114 fetuses). The prevalence of major structural anomalies was 1.89%. In the first trimester, we identified 79% of all major structural anomalies. The highest detection rates were achieved for abdominal wall defects (100%), major central nervous system anomalies (88%), cardiac defects (74%), and skeletal anomalies (71%). The nuchal translucency was increased in 35% of the cases with structural anomalies, and 95% of these were diagnosed in the first trimester. Seventy percent of the patients who presented with structural anomalies and a normal nuchal translucency were diagnosed in the first trimester.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the importance of performing a detailed US examination at 11 to 14 weeks' gestation in identification of fetal structural defects.

'Really Good' New Guidelines for T2 Diabetes

'Really Good' New Guidelines for T2 Diabetes

"Editor's Note: The diabetes guidelines discussed below are a draft version of a consensus statement to be issued in October at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Berlin, Germany."

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review of Treatment Options

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review of Treatment Options

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex gastrointestinal condition whose pathophysiology is not well understood. Nonpharmacologic treatment options are the mainstay of therapy, and interventions should focus on dietary alterations and physical activity initially and throughout treatment. Drug therapy is rather limited but is focused on the predominant symptoms of IBS—constipation or diarrhea—as well as on improving abdominal pain. Pharmacists have a vital role in patient education and in drug-therapy management for IBS, and they can help ensure that treatment is safe and efficacious.

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) encompasses a group of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that are characterized by pain and abnormal bowel habits that have no identifiable root cause. The pathophysiology of IBS is not completely understood, but a wide variety of factors are believed to be involved. Data are conflicting and have not revealed a specific abnormality that can elucidate why IBS occurs or point to a particular mode of therapy. Many currently used treatments for IBS have addressed GI motility, visceral and dietary sensitivities, inflammation, and alterations in GI flora. One of the more recent etiologies studied is the role of serotonin in the peristaltic reflex of the gut, where an abnormality could lead to increased or decreased motility.^[1] A 2014 study estimated that 5% to 15% of people worldwide experience IBS symptomatology, making this a disorder that will be encountered often in practice.^[2]

Practice-Changing Highlights From DDW 2018

Practice-Changing Highlights From DDW 2018

Hello. I am Dr David Johnson, professor of medicine and chief of gastroenterology at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia.

I recently returned from attending Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in Washington, DC, and would like to share my takeaway messages from this year's meeting, some of which will affect our practice in the short term and others in the long term.

New Clinical Practice Guidelines, May 2018 Edition

New Clinical Practice Guidelines, May 2018 Edition

Are You Missing Subtle MI Clues on ECGs? Test Your Skills

Are You Missing Subtle MI Clues on ECGs? Test Your Skills