Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in 41 adults: the illness, the patients, and problems of management

BACKGROUND: Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a disorder characterized by recurrent, stereotypic episodes of incapacitating nausea, vomiting and other symptoms, separated by intervals of comparative wellness. This report describes the clinical features, co-morbidities and problems encountered in management of 41 adult patients who met the diagnostic criteria for CVS. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of adults with CVS seen between 1994 and 2003. Follow-up data were obtained by mailed questionnaires. RESULTS: Age of onset ranged from 2 to 49 years. The duration of CVS at the time of consultation ranged from less than 1 year to 49 years. CVS episodes were stereotypic in respect of their hours of onset, symptomatology and length. Ninety-three percent of patients had recognizable prodromes. Half of the patients experienced a constellation of symptoms consisting of CVS episodes, migraine diathesis, inter-episodic dyspeptic nausea and a history of panic attacks. Deterioration in the course of CVS is indicated by coalescence of episodes in time. The prognosis of CVS is favorable in the majority of patients. CONCLUSION: CVS is a disabling disorder affecting adults as well as children. Because its occurrence in adults is little known, patients experience delayed or mis-diagnosis and ineffectual, sometimes inappropriately invasive management

Novel Immune TiO2 Photoluminescence Biosensors for Leucosis Detection

AbstractNovel immune photoluminescent biosensor, based on TiO2 nanoparticles, for retroviral leucosis detection has been developed. The photoluminescence spectra were excited by solid state laser with wavelength 355nm and measured in the range of 370-800nm. Original photoluminescence spectrum of TiO2 nanoparticles showed wide maximum at 515nm. The biosensitive layer was formed by immobilization of retroviral leucosis antigens on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles. Immobilization of antigens on TiO2 surface led to UV-shift of photoluminescence spectrum and increase of PL intensity. The response to different concentrations of retroviral leucosis antibodies has been measured. The decrease of spectrum intensity and IR-shift were observed after antibodies adsorption on biosensor surface. The experimental dependences of maximum shift and intensity changes versus antibodies concentration were obtained

Pre-departure training for student global health experiences: A scoping review

Abstract: Purpose: To identify: 1) Predeparture training (PDT) best practices for physiotherapy students participating in a global health experience (GHE) in low income countries, 2) current practices in Canadian physiotherapy programs, and 3) to compare best and current practices. Methods: This study employed a mixed method approach. A scoping review was performed to identify PDT best practices discussed in scientific and grey literature. An online questionnaire surveyed Canadian physiotherapy academic coordinators about their current training practices (questions covered student selection, PDT, on-site training and supervision and debriefing). Qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed for both phases of the study; best practices were compared to current practices. Results: Best practices included recommendations about the content and format of PDT, the organization of GHEs (e.g. focus on sustainability), the student selection process and the support offered to students before, during and after the GHE. Canadian universities have varying practices in terms of content, training format and duration. All universities having GHE have mandatory PDT and an established student selection process; half of them have mandatory debriefing. Conclusion: Discrepancies between current and best practices exist. Next steps should focus on reviewing PDT based on best practices and evaluating impacts on students, universities and partners