Grass Observational Study
Grass AllergyRhinoconjunctivitisGrass pollen allergens are universally recognised as a major cause of allergic diseases in humans, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and dermatitis. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate allergy symptoms and allergy medication in subjects with grass-related rhinoconjunctivitis.
TRPV Expression in Subjects With Sensitive Skin
Sensitive SkinSensitive skin syndrome is defined as the presence of burning, itching or any other unpleasant sensation on the skin, due to physical, chemical or psychological factors. It is frequently a self-diagnosed condition, and there are no accurate tests to recognize or quantify it because of the individual variations in perception and intensity of the related symptoms. The most accepted physiopathogenic theory is the presence of an altered barrier function of epidermis. Also, changes in the pH of the stratum corneum have been found to induce skin sensitivity through the activation of the transient potential receptor vanilloid (TRPV) neuronal receptors. TRPV1 has been found in human keratinocytes, although its physiologic role in the skin is not yet established. Their presence in keratinocytes and cutaneous nervous fibers suggests a role in the sensitive function of the epidermis. Since this receptors can be activated by low pH (< 5.9), which is also important for the development of sensitive skin, we hypothesized that an increase in the expression of these receptors can be the responsible for the syndrome.
Testing Hypersensitivity to Metals in Sarcoidosis Patients by Applying the MELISA Test.
SarcoidosisThe purpose of this study is to apply the MELISA test, that diagnose hypersensitivity to metals, in Sarcoidosis patients with occupational exposure.
Reduction of Foveal Sensitivity in Eyes With Diabetic Macular Edema
Diabetic RetinopathyClinically Significant Macular EdemaClinically significant macular edema (CSME) is a thickening of the macula associated with the risk of visual loss, which increases its centre is involved. Functional evaluation of the macula relies on best corrected visual acuity; however, neural dysfunction in diabetic eyes appears before retinal thickening and visual loss. Retinal sensitivity decreases in eyes with CSME, but it is unknown whether it differs between eyes with and without centre thickening. Aim: To compare the reduction of foveal sensitivity in eyes with CSME, with and without centre thickening.
Clinical Characteristics of Allergy, Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases: A Ten Year Retrospective...
AllergyAutoimmune Diseases1 moreThe incidence and prevalence of the allergic, autoimmune and rheumatic diseases are different all over the world. The relative impact of gene and environment on diseases can be revealed by studies from different populations. National Health Insurance database in Taiwan provides a wealth of epidemiology study, which can contribute to the understanding of these diseases. However, national health care database did not contain test results and clinical details. The database of the hospital records can provide complimentary clinical details. Via the comparison of databases of the National health Institutes and the investigators hospital, the investigators hope that the characteristics and outcomes of these patients can be better understood.
Fludrocortisone's Test in Salt Sensitivity
HypertensionThe main hypothesis of this study is look for a clinical and fast test to identify salt sensitivity by administration of fludrocortisone.
Risk of Hospitalization for Severe Hypersensitivity (Including Severe Skin Reactions) in Patients...
Diabetes MellitusType 2The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence hospitalization for severe hypersensitivity and cutaneous reactions among patients with type 2 diabetes who are new users of saxagliptin and those who are new users of other oral antidiabetic drugs.
Can Ultrasound Replace Computed Tomography (CT) Scan in Those Unable to Have Computed Tomography...
Nephrotoxicity of CT Contrast AgentsCT Scans in Those With Renal Compromise2 moreComputed tomography (CT) scan, performed with contrast enhancement, is one of the most commonly requested examinations in diagnostic imaging. In a patient with an elevated creatinine or an allergy to contrast agents, the scan may be performed without the benefit of contrast enhancement. Ultrasound (US), performed with contrast agent enhancement does not have any nephrotoxicity and may be performed on patients with CT contrast allergy. The investigators propose that US with Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is superior to unenhanced CT scan in this population.
Understanding Childhood Infection, Inflammation and Allergy
InfectionInflammation2 moreThis proposal represents a unified programme supported by both clinical and academic staff in the Departments of Paediatrics at Imperial College and St Mary's Hospital, Southampton Hospital and John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford). St Mary's Hospital is the hub of a paediatric network for West London, and forms part of the Paediatric Intensive Care Network for the London region, with potential access to a population of 3 million children. We aim to improve diagnosis and understanding of children with infectious, inflammatory and allergic conditions. Our study will establish well-characterised cohorts of patients with defined conditions, in whom microbiological and patient samples will be used to understand the contribution of genetic background, differential gene expression, proteomics and the pathogen type to the disease process. Unwell children coming to hospital through any route will be invited to join the study. Entering the study will entail the child having blood taken for research purposes in addition to the clinically indicated tests. We will also recruit well (control) children who are having blood tests performed for elective purposes, such as surgery. In addition, children presenting with an illness that is likely to have an infectious aetiology will also have samples collected for microbiological diagnosis. Those samples taken for ordinary diagnostic purposes (such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid or nasal brushings for epithelial cell cultures) would also be used for state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, in order to maximise the likelihood of confirming a microbiological diagnosis. Where healthy, uninfected children are having invasive procedures, such as lumbar punctures, we would aim to recruit these children as controls and collect biological samples such as CSF samples. This bid addresses the need for translational research in paediatrics, by building on the world-class basic science and clinical paediatric base at Imperial College and St Mary's Hospital.
The Effect of Bench-model Training in Cognitive Learning in the Operating Room
Sensitivity Training GroupsBased on the motor learning theories, it is hypothesized that bench-model training will allow junior residents to be more interactive than trainees lacking similar active hands-on training.