Stomach Swelling Research Articles

Registry-based study comparing health-related quality of life between patients with primary rectal cancer and locally recurrent rectal cancer

AimNational clinical registries offer the benefits of a comprehensive dataset, particularly when linked with patient-reported outcome (PRO) data. This aim of this study was to utilise UK registry data to assess cross-sectional differences in health-related quality of life (HrQoL) in patients with primary rectal (PRC) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Materials and methodsData were extracted from the COloRECTal cancer Repository (CORECT-R) and the Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer – Quality of Life (LRRC-QoL) datasets. Propensity score matching was undertaken in a 1:1 ratio using two covariates: age and sex. The primary outcome was the FACT-C Colorectal Cancer Subscale (CCS). Statistical significance was determined using p < 0.05 and clinical significance using effect size (ES) and minimally important clinical difference (MCID). ResultsA matched cohort with 72 patients in each group was identified. Overall FACT-C CCS scores were worse in patients with LRRC from a statistical (11.80 vs 18.03, p < 0.001) and clinically meaningful perspective (ES 1.63, MCID 6.23). Patients with PRC reported better digestion (p < 0.001, ES 0.85), better control over their bowels (p < 0.001, ES 1.03) and increased appetite (p < 0.001, ES 1.74, MCID 2.08). Patients with LRRC reported worse stomach swelling (p < 0,001, ES 0.97) and more diarrhoea (p < 0.001, ES 0.92), however they reported better body image (p < 0.001, ES 0.80). ConclusionPatients with LRRC reported significantly worse overall scores in the FACT-C CCS from both a statistical and clinical perspective, demonstrating the ability of the FACT-C to distinguish between these patient groups and the benefits of the inclusion of PROs within colorectal cancer registries, specifically including patients with advanced/recurrent disease.

Pilot study to develop and validate a questionnaire based on HIV symptoms index

ObjectiveThe primary endpoint is to validate the HIV Symptoms Index Questionnaire in a Spanish population, in terms of comprehension and acceptability. The secondary endpoints are to describe symptoms reported by patients, tolerance, and quality of life. MethodThe pilot trial of an observational and multicenter non-comparative study, for the validation of the HIV Symptoms Index Questionnaire in a Spanish population. Patients over the age of 18 diagnosed with HIV infection and receiving treatment were included. The symptoms index, treatment adherence based on pharmacy dispensing records, and quality of life with MOS-HIV questionnaire were calculated. Statistical analyses were conducted with the SAP System V9.2. ResultsBetween 2013 and 2014, the HIV Symptoms Index Questionnaire was applied to 75 patients; 95% of these patients considered the questionnaire was easy to apply and understand. The total median score of the questionnaire was nine symptoms (IQR 1-18); and the most frequent symptoms were nerves or anxiety (45%), stomach swelling, pain or gas (40%), sleep problems (39%), and fatigue or lack of energy (37%). Presence of symptoms was associated with a worse outcome in the MOS-HIV questionnaire. According to the Visual Analogue Scale, the higher the score in the questionnaire, the lower the tolerance level (R = –0.51; p < 0.0001), and the higher number of days with symptoms (R = 0.51; p < 0.0001). ConclusionsThe questionnaire was easy to apply. A high tolerance level was confirmed, as well as a consistent and significant correlation with the MOS-HIV and the Visual Analogue Scale.

Acute Toxicity Assessment: Macroscopic and Ultrastructural Effects in Mice Treated with Oral Tetrodotoxin.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is an extremely toxic marine compound produced by different genera of bacteria that can reach humans through ingestion mainly of pufferfish but also of other contaminated fish species, marine gastropods or bivalves. TTX blocks voltage-gated sodium channels inhibiting neurotransmission, which in severe cases triggers cardiorespiratory failure. Although TTX has been responsible for many human intoxications limited toxicological data are available. The recent expansion of TTX from Asian to European waters and diversification of TTX-bearing organisms entail an emerging risk of food poisoning. This study is focused on the acute toxicity assessment of TTX administered to mice by oral gavage following macroscopic and microscopic studies. Necropsy revealed that TTX induced stomach swelling 2 h after administration, even though no ultrastructural alterations were further detected. However, transmission electron microscopy images showed an increase of lipid droplets in hepatocytes, swollen mitochondria in spleens, and alterations of rough endoplasmic reticulum in intestines as hallmarks of the cellular damage. These findings suggested that gastrointestinal effects should be considered when evaluating human TTX poisoning.

Inhibition of Fibrosarcoma Growth by 5-Hydroxy-7-Ethoxy- Flavanons from Kaempferia Pandurata Roxb

Introduction As a traditional medicine, the rhizome of Kaempferia pandurata Roxb is used as a medicine for dry cough, ulcers, disorders of the colon, stomach swelling, inflammation of the uterus, diare, and cancer (Hembing , 1994). The rhizome of Kaempferia pandurata Roxb extracted with diethy

Overview of avicenna (ibn sina) opinion on stomach swelling.

Dear Editor, The stomach is the most dilated portion of the GI tract (1). In Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) stomach is very important organ and its disorders can affect other organs (2-5). Avicenna (Ibn Sina), a Muslim scientist of the tenth and eleventh centuries has an important role in the history of medicine in Iran and the world (6). Canon, his famous book that was the greatest work by Avicenna, was translated into Latin in the 12th century and used as a major reference in medical education from the 12th until the 17th centuries (7). In addition, this book is one the most important textbooks in ITM. The foundation of ITM system was based on the balancing humors in the human body (8). In ITM, Mizaj (temperament) plays a key role in preventive, therapeutic, and lifestyle recommendations (9). Normally there are four humors in the human body: Phlegm or Balgham, Blood or Dam, Yellow bile or Safra, and Black bile or Sauda (10). Their imbalances in the body causes some disorders such as stomach swelling (2, 8). Persistent or repeated stomach pain that does not resolve with suitable treatments is the main symptom of stomach swelling (8). According to Avicenna, swelling is a complex disease (8). Swelling is thickness and bulging occurring in organ by material accumulation that expand it and fills the cavity. This material is usually infused by another organ or the organ of swelling itself (2, 8). Stomach swelling is divided into different types according to the materials: “warm” (Haar Safravi or Damavi), “cold Phlegm” (Barede Balghami), and “Solbe Ghaliz” (Hard and thick swelling) (8). The warm swelling is made by not only blood or yellow bile, but also any substance that is warm in essence or is heated by infection (2, 8). Prolonged and progressive pain, severe inflammation, strong burned, thirst and associated fever, and radiating pain are the symptoms of warm swelling. It may even lead to a mixing of mind, melancholy, and meningitis (8). “Cold phlegm” swelling is made by phlegm and predisposing factors such as moisture, indigestion, exercise reduction, and other moisture-generating causes. The symptoms and signs of “cold Phlegm” swelling are persistent or repeated pain even during sleep, diluted and increased mouth water, leaden face color, little thirst, poor digestion, poor appetite, hate and suffer moist food, tendency to dry food, without fever, inflammation, and obsession (8). Sometimes, hard and thick swelling in the stomach is formed primarily by “Sauda” or from transmission and conversion of warm swellings. Phlegm swelling seldom becomes the hard stomach swelling. There are strength to the touch, a lot of dryness, loss of body weight, and other symptoms associated with swelling in the stomach (2, 8). Treatment in warm swelling includes reducing the swelling matter by venesection or prescribed laxatives, reducing the swelling by rubbing astringent and cold medications over swollen stomach, and avoiding vomiting and potent laxatives. Topical use of Radea (deterrent) drugs, Quince oil, and grated cucurbit, avoiding food, and use of easily digestible food at first and then laxative food and drugs such as beer, cucurbit, and Khiarshanbar (Cassia fistula) is recommended. Safravi swelling remedy is consisted of topical cold drugs such as Sandal (Santalum album), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora), alcohol-free beer, and Enabolsalab (Solanum nigrum L.). Treatment in “cold Phlegm” swelling include oral use of astringent solvent drugs such as extract of Celery and Fennel, almond oil, topical use of Baboone (Matricaria chamomilla) and shebet (Anethum graveolens), and avoiding vomiting. Finally, potent solvent drugs is recommended in hard swelling astringent and use of camel bone marrow and cow calf brain in topical drugs is obligatory (2, 8). Based on this study, diagnosis and treatments of stomach swelling can be helpful in patients with persistent or repeated episodes stomachache.

Quality of Life and the Course of Biliary and Gastrointestinal Symptoms after Laparoscopic and Conventional Cholecystectomy

We prospectively studied the course of quality of life and gastrointestinal and biliary symptoms after laparoscopic (n = 14) and conventional cholecystectomy (n = 17). It was found that cholecystectomy significantly improved quality of life and cured nausea, fatty food upset, stomach swelling and biliary pain. It was also found that laparoscopic cholecystectomy improved quality of life and symptomatology at an earlier stage than conventional cholecystectomy. Therefore, more circumstantial evidence is provided that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is superior to conventional cholecystectomy.