Danish medical journal
-
The overall aim of the PhD project was to elucidate the association of human longevity with genetic variation in major candidate genes and pathways of longevity. Based on a thorough literature and database search we chose to apply a pathway approach; to explore variation in genes composing the DNA damage signaling, DNA repair, GH/IGF-1/insulin signaling and pro-/antioxidant pathways. In addition, 16 genes which did not belong to the core of either pathway, however recurrently regarded as candidate genes of longevity (e.g. ⋯ Our studies verified a role of TERC in human telomere length and of FOXO3A in human longevity (survival from middle age to old age), while a novel role of TERC in human longevity was found. Finally, in addition to the literature and database searches, the genotype data generation and the data analyses mentioned here, RNA purification and qPCR experiments have been initiated in order to investigate gene expression of some of the genes holding SNPs found to be associated with human longevity. Data on one of these genes (IL6) have been included in a manuscript.
-
Standard treatment of critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation is continuous sedation. This standard treatment to all patients has been greatly challenged over the last decade. At the general intensive care department at Odense University hospital the standard treatment has been no sedation. The general impression has been that this reduces time in mechanical ventilation and reduces complications such as acute renal failure. It has not been the impression that this treatment increased the risk of long term psychological problems compared to standard treatment with sedation. The "no-sedation" method has however never been described in the literature or tested in a prospective randomized trial. ⋯ A strategy of no sedation to critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation resulted in fewer days in mechanical ventilation, shorter ICU and hospital length of stay compared to a standard strategy with sedation. Also the risk of acute renal impairment seems to be reduced with the use of no sedation. The no sedation strategy does not seem to alter long term psychological outcome.
-
Danish medical journal · May 2012
Practice GuidelineDanish national guidelines for treatment of diverticular disease.
In order to elaborate evidence-based, national Danish guidelines for the treatment of diverticular disease the literature was reviewed concerning the epidemiology, staging, diagnosis and treatment of diverticular disease in all its aspects. The presence of colonic diverticula, which is considered to be a mucosal herniation through the intestinal muscle wall, is inversely correlated to the intake of dietary fibre. Other factors in the genesis of diverticular disease may be physical inactivity, obesity, and use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen. ⋯ When malignancy is ruled out preoperatively, a sigmoid resection with preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery, oral division of colon in soft compliant tissue and anastomosis to upper rectum is recommended. Fistulae to bladder or vagina, or stenosis of the colon may be dealt with according to symptoms and comorbidity. Resection of the diseased segment of colon is preferred when possible and safe; alternatively, a diverting stoma can be the best solution.