ABSTRACT
Barrett's oesophagus is the only known precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a cancer with very poor prognosis. The main risk factors for Barrett's oesophagus are a history of gastro-oesophageal acid reflux symptoms and obesity. Men, smokers and those with a family history are also at increased risk. Progression from Barrett's oesophagus to cancer occurs via an intermediate stage, known as dysplasia. However, dysplasia and early cancer usually develop without any clinical signs, often in individuals whose symptoms are well controlled by acid suppressant medications; therefore, endoscopic surveillance is recommended to allow for early diagnosis and timely clinical intervention. Individuals with Barrett's oesophagus need to be fully informed about the implications of this diagnosis and the benefits and risks of monitoring strategies. Pharmacological treatments are recommended for control of symptoms, but not for chemoprevention. Dysplasia and stage 1 oesophageal adenocarcinoma have excellent prognoses, since they can be cured with endoscopic or surgical therapies. Endoscopic resection is the most accurate staging technique for early Barrett's-related oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic ablation is effective and indicated to eradicate Barrett's oesophagus in patients with dysplasia. Future research should focus on improved accuracy for dysplasia detection via new technologies and providing more robust evidence to support pathways for follow-up and treatment.
Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Barrett Esophagus , Esophageal Neoplasms , Barrett Esophagus/therapy , Barrett Esophagus/pathology , Barrett Esophagus/diagnosis , Humans , Esophageal Neoplasms/therapy , Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology , Esophageal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Esophageal Neoplasms/etiology , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/therapy , Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis , Esophagoscopy/methods , Neoplasm Staging , Disease Progression , Risk Factors , Precancerous Conditions/pathology , Precancerous Conditions/therapy , Precancerous Conditions/diagnosisABSTRACT
While recent studies have examined the effects of viewing body-positive social media content on body appreciation and satisfaction in young adult women, research has yet to include older adult women. The current study assessed the effects of viewing body-positive Instagram content on body image in 205 adult women (18-76 years old) who were randomly assigned to view either body-positive, thin-ideal, or appearance-neutral Instagram content. Our findings demonstrated that exposure to body-positive Instagram content resulted in greater levels of body appreciation and body satisfaction compared to exposure to thin-ideal and neutral Instagram content, while no significant differences were found between any of the conditions on self-objectification. Finally, age was only a significant moderator for one variable (self objectification) and condition (thin ideal), indicating that exposure to body-positive social media content may improve levels of body appreciation and satisfaction in adult women, regardless of age.
Subject(s)
Body Image , Social Media , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Body Image/psychology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Personal Satisfaction , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The University of Adelaide offers a six-year undergraduate medical degree with a focus on small group learning. Senior medical students had previously received limited formal training in education skills, and were identified as an underutilised teaching resource. AIMS: To devise a programme in which senior students are exposed to the various facets of university teaching responsibilities and to evaluate its impact on both the tutors and the students. METHODS: A six week rotation in medical education for final year medical students was designed and implemented in 2010 to involve them in the development, delivery and assessment of the 1st and 2nd year medical programme as near-peer tutors (NPTs). RESULTS: Two years after the rotation's implementation, voluntary evaluation of both the junior students and NPTs was undertaken through a mixed methods approach of survey and focus group. Junior students (n=358) revealed the NPTs provided non-threatening learning environments, provided helpful feedback and acted as role models. Additionally, the NPTs (n=24) reported they had consolidated prior knowledge, developed their teaching skills and expressed a desire to be more involved in teaching in the future. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of NPTs in the teaching of junior medical students appears to benefit both students and their near-peer colleagues. Involvement of NPTs in all facets of medical education through this rotation stands to not only foster potential interest in an academic pathway but also equip them with a variety of transferable skills which they can draw on as future educators in their profession.