Making colonoscopy-based screening more efficient: A “gateopener” approach

Screening colonoscopy for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) is mostly used inefficiently. Here, we assessed the potential of an innovative approach to colonoscopy-based screening, by use of a single, low threshold fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as a “gateopener” for screening colonoscopy. Using COSIMO, a validated simulation model, we modeled scenarios including either direct invitation to screening colonoscopy or an alternative approach involving mailing a single (“gateopener”) FIT along with an invitation to colonoscopy contingent on a FIT value above a low threshold yielding a 50% positivity rate (ie, every other pretest will be positive). Under plausible assumptions on screening offer adherence, we found that such “gateopener screening” (use of screening colonoscopy contingent on a positive, low threshold gateopener FIT) approximately doubled cancer detection rates vs conventional screening. In those spared from screening colonoscopy due to a negative gateopener FIT pretest, numbers needed to screen were 10-times higher vs those for individuals with a positive FIT, peaking in >2000 and >3800 (hypothetically) needed colonoscopies to detect one case of cancer in men and women, respectively. Gateopener screening resulted in 42%-51% and 59%-65% more prevented CRC cases and deaths, respectively. In summary, by directing colonoscopy capacities to those most likely to benefit, offering screening colonoscopy contingent on a “gateopener” low-threshold FIT would substantially enhance efficiency of colonoscopy screening.     

Weitere Untersuchungen über das Verhalten der Froschlarven im galvanischen Strome

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Drug pipeline in neurodegeneration based on transgenic mice models of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most important neurodegenerative disorders, bringing about huge medical and social burden in the elderly worldwide. Many aspects of its pathogenesis have remained unclear and no effective treatment exists for it. Within the past 20 years, various mice models harboring AD-related human mutations have been produced. These models imitate diverse AD-related pathologies and have been used for basic and therapeutic investigations in AD. In this regard, there are a wide variety of preclinical trials of potential therapeutic modalities using AD mice models which are of paramount importance for future clinical trials and applications. This review summarizes more than 140 substances and treatment modalities being used in transgenic AD mice models from 2001 to 2011. We also discuss advantages and disadvantages of each model to be used in therapeutic development for AD.     

High variability between results of different in-house tests for cytomegalovirus (CMV) monitoring and a standardized quantitative plasma CMV PCR assay

A total of 2,718 blood samples were analyzed in five virological laboratories for the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) by in-house tests and one standardized plasma PCR assay. Results from in-house tests showed remarkable variability. Detection of CMV pp65 antigen or DNA from cells was more sensitive than that by plasma CMV PCR assay.     

Dose reduction of epoetin-alpha in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced anaemia

Introduction  

Anaemia during chemotherapy is often left untreated. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are frequently used to treat overt anaemia. Their prophylactic use, however, remains controversial and raises concerns about cost-effectiveness. Therefore, we assessed the efficacy of a dose-reduction schedule in anaemia prophylaxis.