Incidence of colorectal cancer in a population-based cohort of patients with Barrett's oesophagus

Objective. Previous studies have shown a positive association between colorectal cancer and Barrett's oesophagus, but this association is disputed. No population-based studies have examined the incidence of this cancer in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. Material and methods. The present study comprised a population-based cohort of patients with Barrett's oesophagus (constructed using pathology reports of all oesophageal biopsies in Northern Ireland 1993-99; cohort subclassified according to whether specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) was present, absent, or not commented on in biopsies). Cases of colorectal cancer were identified by linking with the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry. The comparison group used was the general population in Northern Ireland. Results. A total of 2969 patients with Barrett's oesophagus were followed for a total of 14,014 person-years (mean 4.7 years). SIM was present in 1670 patients (56.2%), absent in 545 (18.4%) and not commented on in 754 (25.4%). Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 39 patients; 22 patients had cancer diagnosed at least 6 months after diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus. There was no increased risk of colorectal cancer: the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for cancer diagnosed at least 6 months after entry into the cohort was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.48-1.17); this risk did not alter with SIM status or gender. To assess a possible effect of diagnostic bias, we calculated SIRs for cancers occurring after at least 3 months, after at least 1 month and at any time after diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus. These were 0.94 (0.57-1.30), 1.09 (0.69-1.48) and 1.46 (1.00-1.92), respectively. Conclusions. The incidence of colorectal cancer was not elevated in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. Diagnostic bias may explain why previous studies have found an association. © 2005 Taylor & Francis.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)-Inthomycin C Via O-Directed Free Radical Alkyne Hydrostannation with Ph3SnH and Catalytic Et3B: Reinstatement of the Zeeck-Taylor (3R)-Structure for (+)-Inthomycin C

A new pathway to (+)-inthomycin C is reported that exploits an O-directed free radical hydrostannation reaction on (−)-12 and a Stille cross-coupling as key steps. Significantly, the latter process was effected on 19 where a gauche-pentane repulsive interaction could interfere. Our stereochemical studies on the alkynol (−)-12 and the enyne (+)-7 confirm that Ryu and Hatakeyama’s (3S)-stereochemical revision of (+)-inthomycin C is invalid and that Zeeck and Taylor’s original (3R)-stereostructure for (+)-inthomycin C is correct.

The Scottish Reformations and the Origin of Religious and Civil Liberty in Britain and Ireland: Presbyterian Interpretations, c.1800-60

This article examines Presbyterian interpretations in Scotland and Ireland of the Scottish Reformations of 1560 and 1638–43. It begins with a discussion of the work of two important Presbyterian historians of the early nineteenth century, the Scotsman, Thomas McCrie, and the Irishman, James Seaton Reid. In their various publications, both laid the template for the nineteenth-century Presbyterian understanding of the Scottish Reformations by emphasizing the historical links between the Scottish and Irish churches in the early-modern period and their common theology and commitment to civil and religious liberty against the ecclesiastical and political tyranny of the Stuarts. The article also examines the commemorations of the National Covenant in 1838, the Solemn League and Covenant in 1843, and the Scottish Reformation in 1860. By doing so, it uncovers important religious and ideological linkages across the North Channel, including Presbyterian evangelicalism, missionary activity, church–state relationships, religious reform and revival, and anti-Catholicism

Oscar Wilde at Home

Oscar, Constance, Speranza (and Bosie) are “at home” in the exquisitely beautiful Florence Court House this Mayday weekend. House guests will include Jack, Algy, Gwendolen and Cecily from the Importance of Being Earnest, (not to mention the redoubtable Lady Bracknell), Lord and Lady Windermere, the impetuous Lord Darlington, and the precocious Dorian Gray. Visitors will be conducted throughout the house where a range of short scenes from Wilde’s most popular works will be performed live by actors in each of the principal rooms. Is it life or is it art? Come and decide for yourself as we welcome you to the witty, complex and contradictory world of Oscar Wilde. Conceived and directed by David Grant.

Dramatis Personae
Oscar Wilde (and Lord Henry Wotton) – Donal Morgan
Constance Wilde (Lady Wotton, and Cecily Cardew) – Julie Lamberton
Lady Speranza Wilde (Lady Bracknell and Mrs Erlynne) – Antoinette Morelli
Lord Alfred Douglas (and Dorian Gray) – Sydney Bull
Lord Darlington and Basil Hallward – Richard Croxford
Lady Windermere and Gwendolen Fairfax – Stephanie Dale
Jack Worthing – Patrick McBrearty
Algernon Moncrieff and Lord Windermere – Stefan Dunbar
Lane and Parker – Curtis Reed and tbc

Production Team
Costume Design – Enda Kenny
Sound Design – Sydney Bull
Sound Operator – Seth Taylor
Stage Manager – Bronagh McFeely
Company Manager – Eamon Quinn
Director – David Grant