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Grade B (grade + b)
Selected AbstractsNumerical modification of the Los Angeles classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease fails to decrease observer variationDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 1 2004Motoyasu Kusano Background:, We previously reported that a new endoscopic classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease, the Los Angeles classification, showed considerable observer variation depending on the experience of the endoscopist. In the present study, we evaluated some modifications of the classification to determine whether we could decrease observer variation. Methods:, Fifty endoscopic photographs, each showing four images of the squamo-columnar junction, were prospectively obtained from 50 consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Two groups of eight endoscopists divided by their endoscopic experience, group 1 (100,500 procedures) and group 2 (more than 500 procedures), assessed the photographs using classifications with the following modifications: (i) addition of grade O to describe healed mucosal breaks and setting grade B as more than 5 mm or 10 mm; or (ii) addition of grade O and setting grade D as 75,99% or 100% circumferential. Results:, Changing the definition of grade B or grade D did not increase the kappa values for either group of observers. Conclusions:, These modifications of the Los Angeles classification were unable to decrease observer variation. [source] Diagnosis of invasion depth in early colorectal carcinoma by pit pattern analysis with magnifying endoscopyDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2001Shinji Tanaka Background: The aim of this study was to clarify whether various pit patterns on the surface of colorectal tumors are associated with various levels of submucosal invasion. Methods: We examined pathologic features of the pit pattern of the tumor surface in 457 colorectal adenomas and early carcinomas. The examinations involved the use of magnifying endoscopy with indigocarmine dye spraying or crystal violet staining methods. Regarding the pit pattern classification, we used the types I, II, IIIL, IIIS, IV, VA and VN. We subclassified the VN pit pattern according to the area of the tumor surface covered into grades A (small), B (medium) and C (large). Results: Magnifying colonoscopic observation revealed the rates of submucosal invasion associated with specific pit patterns to be 1% (3/213) for IIIL, 5% (2/42) for IIIS, 8% (4/57) for IV, 14% (13/93) for VA and 80% (42/52) for VN. The rates of submucosal massive invasion (> 400 ,m) associated with specific pit patterns was 0% (0/213) for IIIL, 0% (0/42) for IIIS, 4% (2/57) for IV, 5% (5/93) for VA and 72% (38/52) for VN. Within the VN pit pattern subclassification, the incidence of submucosal invasion , 1500 ,m was found each grade (A, B & C): 5% (1/19) for grade A, 64% (14/22) for grade B and 93% (13/14) for grade C. Conclusion: Determination of pit pattern is useful for prediction of submucosal invasion depth and for decisions concerning treatment in colorectal tumors. Lesions with VA and non-grade C VN pit patterns are candidates for total endoscopic resection. A grade C VN pit pattern is a definite indicator of severely invasive submucosal carcinoma, which is unresectable by endoscopic resection. [source] The role and frequency of glutathione s-transferase P1 polymorphism in Iranian patients affected with reflux esophagitisDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 7 2010N. Zendehdel SUMMARY Reflux esophagitis is a common complication of the gastroesophageal reflux disease. Glutathione s-transferases (GSTs) have important role in the protection of cells from the products of oxidative stress. GSTP1*B allele has a correlation with susceptibility to several diseases. In this case-control study, the role and frequency of GSTP1 polymorphism was evaluated in Iranian patients with erosive reflux esophagitis. Seventy patients with erosive reflux esophagitis and 75 normal individuals were enrolled in this study. The grade of esophagitis was determined via endoscopy. DNA was extracted from venous blood of each subject using the salting out method. GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms were detected using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. There was a significant difference in GSTP1 genotype frequency between patients and normal groups (P= 0.006). Also, in the patient group, the grade B of esophagitis was significantly associated with variant GSTP1 genotype (P= 0.028). The rate of throat pain symptom was higher in the no-variant group (P < 0.036). The GSTP1*B allele frequency in Iranian normal groups is similar to Orientals. Reflux esophagitis are more commonly found in variant (*B/*B and *A/*B) GSTP1 genotypes. In addition, GSTP1 polymorphism is correlated with a higher grade of esophagitis. [source] Association of erosive esophagitis with Helicobacter pylori eradication: a role of salivary bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretionDISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 4 2009D. B. Namiot SUMMARY In some populations, Helicobacter pylori eradication is associated with development of erosive esophagitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of salivary bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretion to the pathogenesis of erosive esophagitis developing after H. pylori eradication. Gastroscopy and saliva collection were performed at recruitment and 12 months after completion of eradication therapy. Eighty-eight patients with duodenal ulcer were recruited to the study. Erosive esophagitis was found in 13 patients (grade A, 8 patients; grade B, 4 patients; grade C, 1 patient). Among the 74 subjects who completed the study, erosive esophagitis was detected in 21 patients (grade A, 15 patients; grade B, 6 patients); they all were successfully eradicated. Bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretion was not found to differ significantly between the subjects with and without erosive esophagitis both before and 1 year after H. pylori eradication. However, it was lower in H. pylori -infected (baseline) than in H. pylori -noninfected erosive esophagitis subjects (1 year after successful eradication) (bicarbonate 2.34 [1.29,3.40)]vs. 3.64 [2.70,4.58]µmol/min and glycoprotein 0.23 [0.15,0.31]vs. 0.35 [0.28,0.43] mg/min, P= 0.04 and P= 0.04, respectively). We conclude that changes in salivary bicarbonate and glycoprotein secretion related to H. pylori eradication do not promote the development of erosive esophagitis in duodenal ulcer patients. [source] Determinants of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Chinese HIV/AIDS patientsHIV MEDICINE, Issue 2 2003OW Fong Objective Drug adherence is crucial to the success of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the treatment of HIV disease. Adherence to HAART and its determinants may, however, differ across HIV/AIDS populations. Methods We retrospectively studied drug adherence by self-report in HIV-1 infected Chinese patients who have been on HAART for at least 1 year as at the end of year 2000. HAART is defined as three or more antiretrovirals with at least one protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Results The last drug adherence level assessed by self-report in 161 Chinese patients were: grade A (100%) , 130, 80.7%; grade B (95,99%) , 25, 15.5%; grade C (90,94%) , three, 1.9% and grade D (< 90%) , three, 1.9%. Patients with full adherence were more likely to have undetectable (< 500 copies/mL) plasma virus level (adjusted OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.75,12.33). Patients' demographics, HIV disease status and antiretroviral regimen did not affect adherence. Partial drug adherence was, however, independently associated with the psychosocial factors of missing clinic appointments (adjusted OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.23,8.33), forgetfulness (adjusted OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 1.64,12.5) and a busy work life (adjusted OR, 6.67; 95% CI, 1.75,25). Conclusion There were similarities and differences in determinants affecting HAART adherence in Chinese compared with other patients. Psychosocial factors rather than HIV disease or treatment were more important factors in our Chinese patients. The relevance of patient populations and care setting for adherence to HAART shall be further studied. [source] Inverse relationship between circulating levels of leptin and bone mineral density in chronic liver diseaseJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2001Sif Ormarsdóttir Abstract Background and Aim: The pathophysiology of osteoporosis complicating chronic liver disease is unknown. Recent animal studies have found leptin to be a potent inhibitor of bone formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum leptin levels and bone mineral density in patients with chronic liver disease. Methods: Fifty-eight patients, 39 females and 19 males, and age- and gender-matched controls were included. Bone mineral density was measured by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum leptin was measured by using a radioimmunoassay. Results: The mean serum leptin concentration was 10.4 ± 11.3 and 15.2 ± 17.9 ng/mL; P = 0.11, in the patients and controls, respectively. Leptin correlated positively with body mass index in patients (r = 0.40; P = 0.003) and in controls (r = 0.55; P < 0.0001). In patients classified as Child,Pugh grade B and C, serum leptin correlated negatively with bone mineral density in females at both the lumbar spine and the femoral neck (r = ,0.78; P = 0.04 and r = ,0.86; P = 0.03, respectively). In male patients, the correlation was only significant at the lumbar spine (r = ,0.99; P = 0.002 and r = ,0.86; P = 0.06, at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, respectively). No correlation was found between serum leptin and bone mineral density in the controls. Conclusion: An inverse relationship between serum leptin and bone mineral density was found in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. The reasons for these findings are uncertain, but a pathophysiological role of circulating leptin in osteoporosis in chronic liver disease is possible. [source] Microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of whole and filleted Mediterranean aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored in iceJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2003Dimitra Taliadourou Abstract The effect of filleting on the microbiological, chemical and sensory properties of aquacultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) stored in ice was studied. Pseudomonads, H2S-producing bacteria (including Shewanella putrefaciens) and Brochothrix thermosphacta were the dominant bacteria at the end of the 16 day storage period in ice for both whole ungutted and filleted sea bass. Enterobacteriaceae were also found in the spoilage microflora of whole ungutted and filleted sea bass, but their counts were always lower than those of pseudomonads, H2S-producing bacteria (including S putrefaciens) and B thermosphacta. Total viable counts for whole ungutted sea bass were always lower than those for filleted sea bass samples. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, TMA (trimethylamine) values of whole ungutted sea bass increased very slowly, whereas significantly higher values were obtained for filleted samples, with respective values of 0.253 and 1.515 mg N per 100 g muscle being reached at the end of their shelf-life (days 13 and 9 respectively). TVB-N (total volatile basic nitrogen) values showed a slight increase for whole ungutted sea bass during storage, reaching a value of 26.77 mg N per 100 g muscle (day 13), whereas for filleted fish a corresponding value of 26.88 mg N per 100 g muscle was recorded (day 9). TBA (thiobarbituric acid) values increased slowly for whole ungutted and filleted sea bass samples throughout the entire storage period, reaching final values of 4.48 (day 13) and 13.84 (day 9) mg malonaldehyde kg,1 respectively. Sensory assessment of raw fish using the EC freshness scale gave a grade E for up to 5 days for whole ungutted sea bass, a grade A for a further 4 days and a grade B for an additional 4 days, after which sea bass was graded as C (unfit). Overall acceptability scores for odour, taste and texture of cooked whole ungutted and filleted sea bass decreased with increasing time of storage. The results of this study indicate that the shelf-life of sea bass stored in ice, as determined by overall acceptability sensory scores and microbiological data, is 8,9 days for filleted and 12,13 days for whole ungutted fish. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in oligodendrogliomas: a correlative study withSainte-Anne malignancy grade, growth fractionand patient survivalNEUROPATHOLOGY & APPLIED NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000P. Varlet Microangiogenesis is a delayed but crucial event in the malignant progression of oligodendrogliomas. Accord-ingly, in the new Sainte-Anne grading system of oligodendrogliomas, endothelial hyperplasia and contrast enhancement, both being indicators of microangiogenesis, are key criteria for the distinction of grade A from grade B tumours. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor: a strong correlation between VEGF expression, Sainte-Anne malignancy grade and patient outcome might thus be expected. In order to assess this hypothesis, VEGF immunostaining was performed in a series of 34 oligodendrogliomas that included 11 grade B and 23 grade A, of which nine became grade B during the study period (mean clinical and imaging follow-up: 41 months). VEGF expression correlated strongly with Sainte-Anne tumour grade (P < 0.001), and inversely with patient survival (P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.002). One hundred per cent of grade B but only 17% of grade A were VEGF-positive. By contrast, the MIB-1 labelling index did not correlate with VEGF expression, total survival or recurrence-free survival. In accordance with the grading system, this study showed that, in oligodendrogliomas, VEGF expression and microangiogenesis are progression-related phenomena that confer on these tumours a growth advantage by presumably reducing hypoxia-induced apoptotic cell death. These findings might have important implications in the future for the indication and timing of anti-angiogenic therapies. [source] 1233: How to choose the best surgical procedure?ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010CJ POURNARAS Purpose Dealing to the localization and sealing retinal breaks, the surgical success rate for the cure of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment greatly changed with the introduction of scleral buckling (SB), intraocular gas injection, and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods In localized cases, pneumatic retinopexy and scleral buckling surgery (SB) remains the most popular surgical methods. Complicated cases with PVR grade B or C, giant tears, or macular holes are most commonly treated with primary pars plana vitrectomy. A large group of rhegmatogenous RDs with medium severity that comprise about 30% of all primary rhegmatogenous RDs in the Scleral Buckling versus Primary Vitrectomy in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment recruitment study, were treated by SB and PPV. Advances in vitrectomy instrumentation and wideangle imaging systems have increased the popularity of PPV. Results The decision by the surgeon to use scleral buckling rather than PPV depends on a number of factors, including the lens status, size and location of breaks, patient compliance, and individual experience. Initial PPV may be successful for phakic patients. However, the SPR study shows a benefit of SB in phakic eyes with respect to BCVA improvement. Although no difference in BCVA was demonstrated in the pseudophakic trial, PPV was recommend for pseudophakic RD based on a better anatomical outcome. Conclusion There was a significant trend towards more frequently employing primary PPV (with or without SB) for the management of primary RRD. A significant improvement in the primary success rates for RD, were shown for all retinal surgical modalities applied for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. [source] Management of metastatic carcinoma of the uveal tract: an evidence-based analysisCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Gowri L Kanthan MBBS Abstract Uveal metastasis from carcinoma is the most common cause of ocular malignancy in adults and represents an increasing problem in the context of an ageing population and enhanced survival of stage IV cancer patients. The reported prevalence of clinically evident uveal metastases in carcinoma patients ranges from 2% to 9%, with breast and lung cancer together accounting for between 71% and 92% of cases. Most patients (66,97%) have a known history of cancer and, although the majority have metastatic lesions elsewhere, up to 33% may present with an isolated ocular metastasis. These lesions may progress rapidly and are potentially sight-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate timely treatment are therefore of paramount importance to maintain patients' quality of life. The diagnosis is usually clinical and detailed descriptions of symptomatology and physical characteristics are provided. In 21,50% of patients, involvement is bilateral. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT), chemotherapy, hormone and biological therapies, brachytherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, laser photocoagulation/photodynamic therapy and enucleation are therapeutic modalities described in the literature for the management of uveal metastases. The strongest evidence favours timely EBRT for the management of sight-threatening uveal metastases. The published evidence supporting EBRT for sight-threatening uveal metastases was given a grade B (strong support for recommendation). Newer alternative therapies are emerging and may have a role in selected patients; however, there are unfortunately few large studies examining such treatments for carcinoma metastatic to the eye. The role of these modalities will be further clarified with the results of larger comparative trials. [source] The importance of ,knowing the patient': community nurses' constructions of quality in providing palliative careJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2000Karen A. Luker PhD BNurs RGN RHV NDNCert The importance of ,knowing the patient': community nurses' constructions of quality in providing palliative care This paper reports findings from a study conducted in one community health care trust where 62 members of the district nursing team (grades B,H) were interviewed. An adaptation of the critical incident technique was used to determine factors which contributed or detracted from high quality care for a number of key areas including palliative care. The centrality of knowing the patient and his/her family emerged as an essential antecedent to the provision of high quality palliative care. Factors enabling the formation of positive relationships were given prominence in descriptions of ideal care. Strategies used to achieve this included establishing early contact with the patient and family, ensuring continuity of care, spending time with the patient and providing more than the physical aspects of care. The characteristics described by the community nurses are similar to those advocated in ,new nursing' which identifies the uniqueness of patient needs, and where the nurse,patient relationship is objectified as the vehicle through which therapeutic nursing can be delivered. The link with ,new nursing' emerges at an interesting time for community nurses. The past decade has seen many changes in the way that community nursing services are configured. The work of the district nursing service has been redefined, making the ideals of new nursing, for example holism, less achievable than they were a decade ago. This study reiterates the view that palliative care is one aspect of district nursing work that is universally valued as it lends itself to being an exemplar of excellence in terms of the potential for realizing the ideals of nursing practice. This is of increasing importance in the context of changes that militate against this ideal. [source] Wound care in the community setting: clinical decision making in contextJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2000Christine E. Hallett PhD BNurs BA Hons RGN HVCert DNCert PGDE Wound care in the community setting: clinical decision making in context Sixty-two community nurses in northern England of grades B and D to H were interviewed by a team of four researchers. The interviews were semi-structured, and were tape-recorded, fully transcribed and content analysed. They were conducted as part of a larger study, the aim of which was to examine community nurses' perceptions of quality in nursing care. One of the main themes the work focused on was decision-making as an element of quality. Data relating to wound care were considered from the perspective of the insights they offered into clinical decision-making. Data were interpreted in the light of a literature review in which a distinction had been made between theories which represented clinical decision-making as a linear or staged process and those which represented it as intuitive. Within the former category, three sub-categories were suggested: theorists could be divided into ,pragmatists', ,systematisers' and those who advocated ,diagnostic reasoning'. The interpretation of the data suggested that the clinical decisions made by community nurses in the area of wound care appeared largely intuitive, yet were also closely related to ,diagnostic reasoning'. They were furthermore based on a range of sources of information and justified by a number of different types of rationale. [source] Braun enteroenterostomy is associated with reduced delayed gastric emptying and early resumption of oral feeding following pancreaticoduodenectomyJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Steven N. Hochwald MD Abstract Background and Objectives Morbidity rates following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remain high with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and slow resumption of oral diet contributing to increased postoperative length of stay. A Braun enteroenterostomy has been shown to decrease bile reflux following gastric resection. We hypothesize that addition of Braun enteroenterostomy during PD would reduce the sequelae of DGE. Methods From our PD database, patients were identified that underwent classic PD with partial gastrectomy from 2001 to 2006. All patients with reconstruction utilizing a single loop of jejunum at the University of Florida Shands Hospital were reviewed. Demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, pathologic diagnoses, and postoperative morbidity were compared in those patients undergoing reconstruction with an additional Braun enteroenterostomy (n,=,70) to those not undergoing a Braun enteroenterostomy (n,=,35). Results Patients undergoing a Braun had NG tubes removed earlier (Braun: 2 days, no Braun: 3 days, P,=,0.002) and no significant change in postoperative vomiting (Braun: 27%, no Braun: 37%, P,=,0.37) or NG tube reinsertion rates (Braun: 17%, no Braun: 29%, P,=,0.21). Median postoperative day with tolerance of oral liquids (Braun: 5, no Braun: 6, P,=,0.01) and solid diets (Braun: 7, no Braun: 9, P,=,0.01) were significantly sooner in the Braun group. DGE defined by two criteria including the inability to have oral intake by postoperative day 10 (Braun: 10%, no Braun: 26%, P,<,0.05) and the international grading criteria (grades B and C, Braun: 7% vs. no Braun: 31%, P,=,0.003) were significantly reduced in those undergoing the Braun procedure. In addition, the median length of stay (Braun: 10 days, no Braun: 12 days, P,<,0.05) was significantly reduced in those undergoing the Braun procedure. The rate of pancreatic anastomotic failure was similar in the two groups (Braun: 17% vs. no Braun: 14%, P,=,0.79). Median bile reflux was 0% in those undergoing a Braun. Conclusions The present study suggests that Braun enteroenterostomy can be safely performed in patients undergoing PD and may reduce the indicence of DGE and its sequelae. Further studies of Braun enteroenterostomy in larger randomized trials of patients undergoing PD are warranted. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:351,355. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||