Lancet
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Comparative Study
Rapid diagnosis of central-venous-catheter-related bloodstream infection without catheter removal.
Current methods for the diagnosis of bloodstream infection related to central venous catheters (CVC) are slow and in many cases require catheter removal. Since most CVC that are removed on suspicion of causing infection prove not to be infected, removal of catheters unnecessarily exposes patients to the risks associated with reinsertion. ⋯ The gram stain and AOLC test is a simple, and rapid method for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection. This diagnostic method compares favourably with other diagnostic methods, particularly those that require the removal of the catheter, and can permit early targeted antimicrobial therapy.
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There is little current insight into the natural history of childhood leukaemia or the timing of relevant mutational events. TEL-AML1 gene fusion due to chromosomal translocation is frequently seen in the common form of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We investigated whether this abnormality arises prenatally. ⋯ Our findings showed that childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is frequently initiated by a chromosome translocation event in utero. Studies in identical twins show however that such an event is insufficient for clinical leukaemia and that a postnatal promotional event is also required.
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Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Impact of sleep debt on metabolic and endocrine function.
Chronic sleep debt is becoming increasingly common and affects millions of people in more-developed countries. Sleep debt is currently believed to have no adverse effect on health. We investigated the effect of sleep debt on metabolic and endocrine functions. ⋯ Sleep debt has a harmful impact on carbohydrate metabolism and endocrine function. The effects are similar to those seen in normal ageing and, therefore, sleep debt may increase the severity of age-related chronic disorders.