Hsu et al from the University of Wisconsin reviewed the evidence on the prevention of the endemic healthcare-associated Clostridium difficle infection.
The prevalence of obesity has increased in recent years. However, individuals who are obese early in life have not been studied over time to determine whether they develop severe obesity in adulthood, thus limiting effective interventions to reduce severe obesity incidence and its potentially life-threatening-associated conditions. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity in adolescence was significantly associated with increased risk of incident severe obesity in adulthood, with variations by gender and race/ethnicity.
It is important to remember that obesity is an independent risk factor for GERD or reflux. Early intervention in the beginning of adulthood is essential may prevent long-term obesity and its complications. As an adolescent, portion control and the avoidance of fatty and processed foods should be be enforced. Obesity is an epidemic in the USA that seems to be on the rise. The worldwide prevalence of GERD is about 18 percent.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
GERD Awareness Week is coming up November 21-27, 2010.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
As reported from Medscape (11/4, Canavan) reported, "Two new tests that examine the gene signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells have demonstrated high sensitivity in the identification of colorectal cancer (CRC) and adenomas larger than 1 cm." Researchers in Switzerland first zeroed in on "60 markers," and the "resulting panel highlighted the gene signatures of proteins involved in several different biologic functions, including those of cellular movement, cell signaling and interaction, tissue and cellular development, cancer, and cell growth and proliferation." Then, after using that "suite of biomarker candidates" to assess other patients with IBD or "non-CRC cancers," investigators decided on "a final selection of 24 genes [that] was used to create two separate assays. They were designated COLOX CRC for cancer detection, and COLOX POL (polyp) for adenomas."
Current methods for colon cancer screening include stool studies for blood, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, and colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy uses CAT scan technology with specialized software to reconstruct images of the colon. This "virtual colonoscopy" is a fascinating technology, but can not properly image very small polyps and when there is a questionable finding, colonoscopy must be performed. Therefore, colonoscopy remains the gold-standard for the prevention and diagnosis of colon cancer. Colonoscopy, unlike sigmoidoscopy, allows for examination of the entire colon and not just the left side.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
