Working up rectal bleeding in adult primary care practices

Rationale, aims and objectivesVariation in the workup of rectal bleeding may result in guideline‐discordant care and delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Accordingly, we undertook this study to characterize primary care clinicians’ initial rectal bleeding evaluation.MethodsWe studied 438 patients at 10 adult primary care practices affiliated with three Boston, Massachusetts, academic medical centres and a multispecialty group practice, performing medical record reviews of subjects with visit codes for rectal bleeding, haemorrhoids or bloody stool. Nurse reviewers abstracted patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, rectal bleeding‐related symptoms and components of the rectal bleeding workup. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models examined factors associated with guideline‐discordant workups.ResultsClinicians documented a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps at the index visit in 27% of cases and failed to document an abdominal or rectal examination in 21% and 29%. Failure to order imaging or a diagnostic procedure occurred in 32% of cases and was the only component of the workup associated with guideline‐discordant care, which occurred in 27% of cases. Compared with patients at hospital‐based teaching sites, patients at urban clinics or community health centres had 2.9 (95% confidence interval 1.3–6.3) times the odds of having had an incomplete workup. Network affiliation was also associated with guideline concordance.ConclusionWorkup of rectal bleeding was inconsistent, incomplete and discordant with guidelines in one‐quarter of cases. Research and improvements strategies are needed to understand and manage practice and provider variation.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136454/1/jep12596.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136454/2/jep12596_am.pd

Three-dimensional facial morphology in Cantu syndrome

Cantú syndrome (CS) was first described in 1982, and is caused by pathogenic variants in ABCC9 and KCNJ8 encoding regulatory and pore forming subunits of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, respectively. It is characterized by congenital hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, extensive cardiovascular abnormalities and distinctive facial anomalies including a broad nasal bridge, long philtrum, epicanthal folds, and prominent lips. Many genetic syndromes, such as CS, involve facial anomalies that serve as a significant clue in the initial identification of the respective disorder before clinical or molecular diagnosis are undertaken. However, an overwhelming number of CS patients receive misdiagnoses based on an evaluation of coarse facial features. By analyzing three-dimensional images of CS faces, we quantified facial dysmorphology in a cohort of both male and female CS patients with confirmed ABCC9 variants. Morphometric analysis of different regions of the face revealed gender-specific significant differences in face shape. Moreover, we show that 3D facial photographs can distinguish between CS and other genetic disorders with specific facial dysmorphologies that have been mistaken for CS-associated anomalies in the past, hence assisting in an earlier clinical and molecular diagnosis. This optimizes genetic counseling and reduces stress for patients and parents by avoiding unnecessary misdiagnosis

Behavioral and cognitive functioning in individuals with Cantu syndrome

Cantú syndrome (CS) is caused by pathogenic variants in ABCC9 and KCNJ8 encoding the regulatory and pore-forming subunits of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP ) channels. CS is characterized by congenital hypertrichosis, distinctive facial features, peripheral edema, and cardiac and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Behavioral and cognitive issues have been self-reported by some CS individuals, but results of formal standardized investigations have not been published. To assess the cognitive profile, social functioning, and psychiatric symptoms in a large group of CS subjects systematically in a cross-sectional manner, we invited 35 individuals (1-69 years) with confirmed ABCC9 variants and their relatives to complete various commonly applied standardized age-related questionnaires, including the Kaufman brief intelligence test 2, the social responsiveness scale-2, and the Achenbach system of empirically based assessment. The majority of CS individuals demonstrated average verbal and nonverbal intelligence compared to the general population. Fifteen percent of cases showed social functioning strongly associated with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Both externalizing and internalizing problems were also present in this cohort. In particular, anxiety, anxiety or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum behaviors were predominantly observed in the younger subjects in the cohort (≥25%), but this percentage decreased markedly in adults

64Cu-MM-302 Positron Emission Tomography Quantifies Variability of Enhanced Permeability and Retention of Nanoparticles in Relation to Treatment Response in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Purpose: Therapeutic nanoparticles are designed to deliver their drug payloads through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) in solid tumors. The extent of EPR and its variability in human tumors is highly debated and has been proposed as an explanation for variable responses to therapeutic nanoparticles in clinical studies. Experimental Design: We assessed the EPR effect in patients using a 64Cu-labeled nanoparticle, 64Cu-MM-302 (64Cu-labeled HER2-targeted PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin), and imaging by PET/CT. Nineteen patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer underwent 2 to 3 PET/CT scans postadministration of 64Cu-MM-302 as part of a clinical trial of MM-302 plus trastuzumab with and without cyclophosphamide (NCT01304797). Results: Significant background uptake of 64Cu-MM-302 was observed in liver and spleen. Tumor accumulation of 64Cu-MM-302 at 24 to 48 hours varied 35-fold (0.52–18.5 %ID/kg), including deposition in bone and brain lesions, and was independent of systemic plasma exposure. Computational analysis quantified rates of deposition and washout, indicating peak liposome deposition at 24 to 48 hours. Patients were classified on the basis of 64Cu-MM-302 lesion deposition using a cut-off point that is comparable with a response threshold in preclinical studies. In a retrospective exploratory analysis of patient outcomes relating to drug levels in tumor lesions, high 64Cu-MM-302 deposition was associated with more favorable treatment outcomes (HR = 0.42). Conclusions: These findings provide important evidence and quantification of the EPR effect in human metastatic tumors and support imaging nanoparticle deposition in tumors as a potential means to identify patients well suited for treatment with therapeutic nanoparticles

Using Medical Students to Enhance Curricular Integration of Cross-Cultural Content

We hypothesized that an interested medical student group would be helpful in reviewing tutorial cases and giving relevant feedback on the curricular integration of cross-cultural content using case triggers in a preclinical gastrointestinal pathophysiology course. Self-selected student leaders (n = 9) reviewed pre-existing problem-based learning tutorial cases (n = 3) with cross-cultural triggers, and provided narrative feedback to course faculty. The cases were modified and used for the entire class in the following 2 years. Participating course students' comments and teaching faculty feedback were also noted. Outcomes were a change in case content, student global evaluations of the course, and self-reported faculty comfort with teaching the cases. All three tutorial cases were reviewed by a separate group of 2–3 students. Major and minor revisions were made to each case based on the student feedback. These cases were used in 2007 and 2008 and were the major change to the course during that time. Overall course evaluation scores improved significantly from 2006 to 2008 (p = 0.000). Tutors (n = 22 in 2007; n = 23 in 2008) expressed relief during tutor meetings that students had reviewed the cases. A general framework for eliciting student feedback on problem-based cases was developed. Student feedback, consisting of self-selected students' case reviews and solicited course and tutor comments, added value to a curricular reform to improve the integration of cross-cultural content into a problem-based learning curriculum. Our study underscores the fundamental link between teachers and students as partners in curricular development

A cardinal role for cathepsin D in co-ordinating the host-mediated apoptosis of macrophages and killing of pneumococci

The bactericidal function of macrophages against pneumococci is enhanced by their apoptotic demise, which is controlled by the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. Here, we show that lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and cytosolic translocation of activated cathepsin D occur prior to activation of a mitochondrial pathway of macrophage apoptosis. Pharmacological inhibition or knockout of cathepsin D during pneumococcal infection blocked macrophage apoptosis. As a result of cathepsin D activation, Mcl-1 interacted with its ubiquitin ligase Mule and expression declined. Inhibition of cathepsin D had no effect on early bacterial killing but inhibited the late phase of apoptosis-associated killing of pneumococci in vitro. Mice bearing a cathepsin D-/- hematopoietic system demonstrated reduced macrophage apoptosis in vivo, with decreased clearance of pneumococci and enhanced recruitment of neutrophils to control pulmonary infection. These findings establish an unexpected role for a cathepsin D-mediated lysosomal pathway of apoptosis in pulmonary host defense and underscore the importance of apoptosis-associated microbial killing to macrophage function

Future Atmospheric Rivers and Impacts on Precipitation: Overview of the ARTMIP Tier 2 High‐Resolution Global Warming Experiment

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are long, narrow synoptic scale weather features important for Earth’s hydrological cycle typically transporting water vapor poleward, delivering precipitation important for local climates. Understanding ARs in a warming climate is problematic because the AR response to climate change is tied to how the feature is defined. The Atmospheric River Tracking Method Intercomparison Project (ARTMIP) provides insights into this problem by comparing 16 atmospheric river detection tools (ARDTs) to a common data set consisting of high resolution climate change simulations from a global atmospheric general circulation model. ARDTs mostly show increases in frequency and intensity, but the scale of the response is largely dependent on algorithmic criteria. Across ARDTs, bulk characteristics suggest intensity and spatial footprint are inversely correlated, and most focus regions experience increases in precipitation volume coming from extreme ARs. The spread of the AR precipitation response under climate change is large and dependent on ARDT selection

Measuring the quality and quantity of professional intrapartum support: Testing a computerised systematic observation tool in the clinical setting

Background: Continuous support in labour has a significant impact on a range of clinical outcomes, though whether the quality and quantity of support behaviours affects the strength of this impact has not yet been established. To identify the quality and quantity of support, a reliable means of measurement is needed. To this end, a new computerised systematic observation tool, the ‘SMILI' (Supportive Midwifery in Labour Instrument) was developed. The aim of the study was to test the validity and usability of the ‘Supportive Midwifery in Labour Instrument' (SMILI) and to test the feasibility and acceptability of the systematic observation approach in the clinical intrapartum setting. Methods: Systematic observation was combined with a postnatal questionnaire and the collection of data about clinical processes and outcomes for each observed labour. The setting for the study was four National Health Service maternity units in Scotland, UK. Participants in this study were forty five midwives and forty four women. The SMILI was used by trained midwife observers to record labour care provided by midwives. Observations were undertaken for an average of two hours and seventeen minutes during the active first stage of labour and, in 18 cases, the observation included the second stage of labour. Content validity of the instrument was tested by the observers, noting the extent to which the SMILI facilitated the recording of all key aspects of labour care and interactions. Construct validity was tested through exploration of correlations between the data recorded and women's feelings about the support they received. Feasibility and usability data were recorded following each observation by the observer. Internal reliability and construct validity were tested through statistical analysis of the data. Results: One hundred and four hours of labour care were observed and recorded using the SMILI during forty nine labour episodes. Conclusion: The SMILI was found to be a valid and reliable instrument in the intrapartum setting in which it was tested. The study identified that the SMILI could be used to test correlations between the quantity and quality of support and outcomes. The systematic observational approach was found to be an acceptable and feasible method of enquiry

Establishing a clinical phenotype for cachexia in end stage kidney disease - study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Surveys using traditional measures of nutritional status indicate that muscle wasting is common among persons with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Up to 75% of adults undergoing maintenance dialysis show some evidence of muscle wasting. ESKD is associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and can result in cachexia, with the loss of muscle and fat stores. At present, only limited data are available on the classification of wasting experienced by persons with ESKD. Individuals with ESKD often exhibit symptoms of anorexia, loss of lean muscle mass and altered energy expenditure. These symptoms are consistent with the syndrome of cachexia observed in other chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart failure, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. While definitions of cachexia have been developed for some diseases, such as cardiac failure and cancer, no specific cachexia definition has been established for chronic kidney disease. The importance of developing a definition of cachexia in a population with ESKD is underscored by the negative impact that symptoms of cachexia have on quality of life and the association of cachexia with a substantially increased risk of premature mortality. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical phenotype of cachexia specific to individuals with ESKD. METHODS: A longitudinal study which will recruit adult patients with ESKD receiving haemodialysis attending a Regional Nephrology Unit within the United Kingdom. Patients will be followed 2 monthly over 12 months and measurements of weight; lean muscle mass (bioelectrical impedance, mid upper arm muscle circumference and tricep skin fold thickness); muscle strength (hand held dynamometer), fatigue, anorexia and quality of life collected. We will determine if they experience (and to what degree) the known characteristics associated with cachexia. DISCUSSION: Cachexia is a debilitating condition associated with an extremely poor outcome. Definitions of cachexia in chronic illnesses are required to reflect specific nuances associated with each disease. These discrete cachexia definitions help with the precision of research and the subsequent clinical interventions to improve outcomes for patients suffering from cachexia. The absence of a definition for cachexia in an ESKD population makes it particularly difficult to study the incidence of cachexia or potential treatments, as there are no standardised inclusion criteria for patients with ESKD who have cachexia. Outcomes from this study will provide much needed data to inform development and testing of potential treatment modalities, aimed at enhancing current clinical practice, policy and education