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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant agents and freezing methods on the ability of ram sperm to preserve its post-thaw quality characteristics. Six Chios rams were subjected to 52 weekly semen collections. Each ram was used as semen donor for freezing experiments once every 2 weeks. Equal number of good quality spermatozoa from each ejaculate (concentration ≥1 × 109 spermatozoa/ml, motility ≥70%, motility score ≥3.5) were pooled. Three equal aliquots of the pooled sample were diluted using three different fractions of a milk-based and glycerol extender (control, quercetin-enriched, α-tocopherol-enriched). Three freezing methods were applied (slow and fast freezing rate in a programmable freezer, vapors of liquid nitrogen) in every aliquot. Sperm aliquots were tested before freezing, immediately after thawing and after 3 h of incubation at 37 °C. Sperm motility (%) was evaluated microscopically. The percentage of membrane and acrosome-intact spermatozoa (IL%) as well as the percentage of membrane-intact and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa (ARL%) were determined by eosin-nigrosin stain. Furthermore, the percentage of hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test-positive spermatozoa was estimated. The results revealed no beneficial effect of the antioxidant treatment on the parameters of post-thaw semen (P > 0.05). However, the slow freezing rate method was more beneficial regarding motility, IL, ARL and HOS-positive spermatozoa compared to the other methods. In conclusion, the antioxidant agents used in this study failed to protect sperm against cryopreservation stress; however, the choice of the appropriate freezing method could contribute to the improvement of post-thaw ram sperm quality.

Background. Decoy-receptor 3 (DcR3) exerts antiapoptotic and immunomodulatory function and is overexpressed in neoplastic and inflammatory conditions. Serum DcR3 (sDcR3) levels during the chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis/hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) sequence have not been explored.Objective. To assess the levels and significance of sDcR3 protein in various stages of chronic liver disease.Methods. We compared sDcR3 levels between healthy controls and patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), decompensated cirrhosis (DC), and HCC. Correlations between sDcR3 levels and various patient- and disease-related factors were analyzed.Results. sDcR3 levels were significantly higher in patients with CVH than in controls (P<0.01). sDcR3 levels were elevated in DC and HCC, being significantly higher compared not only to controls (P<0.001for both) but to CVH patients as well (P<0.001for both). In addition, DcR3 protein was detected in large quantities in the ascitic fluid of cirrhotics. In patients with CVH, sDcR3 significantly correlated to fibrosis severity, as estimated by Ishak score (P=0.019) or by liver stiffness measured with elastography (Spearmanr=0.698,P<0.001). In cirrhotic patients, significant positive correlations were observed between sDcR3 levels and markers of severity of hepatic impairment, including MELD score (r=0.653,P<0.001).Conclusions. Circulating levels of DcR3 are elevated during chronic liver disease and correlate with severity of liver damage. sDcR3 may serve as marker for liver fibrosis severity and progression to end-stage liver disease.

We evaluated the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in 67 patients (86 hips) with congenital hip disease and excessive abnormal anatomy of the proximal femur with the use of custom-made femoral stems. The design of the stem was based on CT data following the principles of CAD-CAE-CAM technique. No serious complications attributed to the femoral stem were seen. Within a median follow-up of 127.5 months the 10-year survival of any of the components was 95.4% and respective value when aseptic loosening of the stem was considered was 98.1%. Patients with high dislocations had a 10-fold risk for loosening compared to those with low dislocations. No other parameter was associated with outcomes. The clinical and radiological evaluation was in consistency with the above outcomes.

Morphine is widely prescribed for patients with cancer, although a number of attitudes have been cited as barriers to its use, including fear, addiction and associations with death. The aim of this study was to explore the nature of these beliefs, and assess the extent to which these attitudes exist in a general practice patient population that may require morphine in the future.A 30-item survey was distributed through general practices in Victoria, Australia.Of the 379 questionnaires distributed, 290 were collected (76.5%). Participants were predominantly neutral on questions regarding the effect of morphine on the duration of life. Morphine was seen to be prescribed responsibly (73.5%), even while most perceived its potential for addiction (69.7%). Participants with experience of morphine use had more negative perceptions regarding its efficacy.Conversations regarding morphine use should include a discussion about the beliefs and experiences of the individual, many of which may reinforce the utility of morphine.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may still develop in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with lamivudine. Whether HCC rates are comparable in patients treated with the current first-line antivirals remains uncertain. We estimated the incidence and evaluated predictors of HCC in a large nationwide prospective cohort (HepNet.Greece) of HBeAg-negative CHB patients treated with entecavir. HBeAg-negative CHB patients from the same cohort who were initially treated with lamivudine were used as controls. We included 321 patients treated with entecavir for a median of 40 months and 818 patients treated initially with lamivudine for a median of 60 months. In the entecavir group, HCC developed in 4 of 321 (1.2%) patients at a median of 1.5 (range: 1.0-4.5) years, while the cumulative HCC incidence was significantly higher in cirrhotics than noncirrhotics (1, 3, 5 years: 0%, 3%, 9% vs 1%, 1%, 1%; P = 0.024) and in older patients (P = 0.026). Entecavir compared with lamivudine group patients had lower HCC incidence (1, 3, 5 years: 0.3%, 1.2%, 2.8% vs 0.7%, 3.8%, 5.6%; P = 0.024). However, in multivariable Cox regression analysis, the HCC risk was independently associated with older age (P < 0.001), male gender (P = 0.011) and cirrhosis (P = 0.025), but not with the initial agent. In conclusion, our large nationwide study indicates that the HCC risk remains increased in entecavir-treated HBeAg-negative CHB patients with cirrhosis, particularly of older age, at least for the first 5 years. The HCC risk does not seem to be significantly reduced with entecavir compared with antiviral therapy starting with lamivudine.

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) has decreased in Europe, but recent reports indicate a rising trend. We report the epidemiological changes, clinical progress, and effect of treatment on the natural course of HDV infection in Greece during the last 13 years.Prospective data were extracted from the HepNet.Greece Cohort-Study.Since 1997, 4673 chronic HBV (CHB) cases (4527 adults, 146 children) have been followed prospectively. Two thousand one hundred thirty-seven patients were tested for anti-HDV [101 (4.7%) positive]. Anti-HDV testing in Greece decreased significantly (57.0% before 2003, 35.3% thereafter; p0.001). Anti-HDV prevalence among HBsAg-positives was 4.2%; lower in native Greeks (2.8%) than in immigrants (7.5%) or in children (15.3%; p0.001). Within 2.3 years of follow-up, HDV occurred in 11/2047 HBsAg-positive patients (2.2 new delta-infected adults and 8.7 children per 1000 HBsAg-positive annually). HDV-positive compared to CHB adults were younger (p=0.035) and had more active and advanced disease at baseline, as indicated by laboratory indices and the higher prevalence of cirrhosis at younger age. During a 4.2-year median observation, significantly more anti-HDV-positive than CHB adults developed a liver-related first event (20.0% vs. 8.5%, p Log-rank=0.014).Treatment was received by 46/90 (51.1%) patients, 40 of them interferon-based. In multivariable analysis, interferon significantly decreased disease progression in HDV-positive patients [HR=0.14 (95% CI: 0.02-0.86; p=0.033)].In Greece, HDV serology is currently tested in only one-third of HBsAg-positive patients. HDV prevalence is lower in native Greeks compared to immigrants, who may contribute50% of the HDV infection burden in Greece. Data show that HDV infection is a rapidly progressive disease, but interferon-based treatment may alter its course.

Background Despite the beneficial effects of epidurals in intra-abdominal surgery, the incidence of anastomotic leak remains controversial when used. Moreover, studies have also shown that fluid overload may be deleterious to anastomoses. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of varying intraoperative fluid protocols, in the presence of an epidural, on the burst pressure strength of colonic anastomoses. Methods An epidural was installed in 18 rabbits, divided into three groups. Group 1 received 30 mL/kg/h Ringer's lactate, Group 2 received 100 mL/kg/h Ringer's lactate, and Group 3 received 30 mL/kg/h Pentaspan. Two colo-colonic anastomoses were performed per rabbit. On postoperative day 7 the anastomoses were resected and their burst pressures measured as a surrogate for anastomotic leak. Results When comparing the average burst pressures of all three groups, there was a significant difference (P = 0.04). The anastomoses in the 100 mL/kg/h Ringer's lactate group were shown to be the weakest, with 64% of the anastomoses having burst under 120 mm Hg. The rabbits hydrated with Pentaspan had the highest strength, with no anastomoses bursting under 120 mm Hg. This translated into significant burst pressure differences (P = 0.02) between Group 2 and Group 3. Conclusion These results suggest that fluid overload with a crystalloid, in the presence of an epidural, may be deleterious to the healing of colonic anastomoses, creating a higher risk of anastomotic leak. Intraoperative resuscitation should thus focus on goal-directed euvolemia with appropriate amounts of colloids and/or crystalloids to prevent the risk of weakening anastomoses, especially in patients with epidurals.

Background. HCV infection and transfusional iron overload in Thalassemic patients may result in liver disease. HCV treatment in Thalassemia has raised safety concerns. Aim. Estimate effectiveness and tolerability of interferon-based therapy in HCV-infected Thalassemic patients. Material and methods. Over a 12-year period, consecutive patients with β Thalassemia major (TM) and chronic hepatitis C received treatment. Liver biopsy, HCV-RNA and genotyping were performed beforehand. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as negative HCV-RNA 6 months post-treatment. Forty eight patients (26 M-22 F, mean age 39.8) were enrolled. Twenty nine patients were treated with conventional interferon alpha (IFNa) for 48 weeks (group A). Nineteen patients (10 naive-9 previously IFNa experienced) received pegylated interferon (PEGIFN) (group B). Results. HCV-1 was found in 44%, HCV-2 in 14%, HCV-3 in 23% and HCV-4 in 19%. Group A: ten patients (38.5%) achieved SVR, 2 (7.5%) relapsed and 17 (54%) were non responders. Group B: five (28%) achieved SVR, 8 (44%) relapsed and 6 (28%) never responded. High HCV-RNA levels, genotype 1 and advanced liver fibrosis were independently associated with no response. Four patients (3 treated with IFNα, 1 with PEG-IFN) had to discontinue treatment due to complications. Conclusions. The response rate of IFN monotherapy in multi-transfused, HCV-infected Thalassemic patients is not inferior to that in nonmulti-transfused patients. IFNa administration is well-tolerated and should be recommended as initial treatment schedule in this setting.

Background Most NSAIDs are thought to be able to cause hepatic injury and acute liver failure (ALF), but the event rates of those leading to transplantation (ALFT) remain uncertain. Objectives The aim of the study was to estimate population event rates for NSAID-associated ALFT Methods This was a case-population study of ALFT in 57 eligible liver transplant centres in seven countries (France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and the UK). Cases were all adults registered from 2005 to 2007 for a liver transplant following ALFT without identified clinical aetiology, exposed to an NSAID or paracetamol (acetaminophen) within 30 days before the onset of clinical symptoms. NSAID and paracetamol population exposures were assessed using national sales data from Intercontinental Marketing Services (IMS). Risk was estimated as the rate of ALFT per million treatment-years (MTY). Results In the 52 participating centres, 9479 patients were registered for transplantation, with 600 for ALFT, 301 of whom, without clinical aetiology, had been exposed to a drug within 30 days. Of these 301 patients, 40 had been exposed to an NSAID and 192 to paracetamol (81 of whom were without overdose). Event rates per MTY were 1.59 (95 % CI 1.1–2.2) for all NSAIDs pooled, 2.3 (95 % CI 1.2–3.9) for ibuprofen, 1.9 (95 % CI 0.8–3.7) for nimesulide, 1.6 (95 % CI 0.6–3.4) for diclofenac and 1.6 (95 % CI 0.3–4.5) for ketoprofen. For paracetamol, the event rate was 3.3 per MTY (95 % CI 2.6–4.1) without overdoses and 7.8 (95 % CI 6.8–9.0) including overdoses. Conclusions ALF leading to registration for transplantation after exposure to an NSAID was rare, with no major difference between NSAID. Non-overdose paracetamol-exposed liver failure was twice more common than NSAID-exposed liver failure. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40264-012-0013-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a major complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease due to its neoplastic potential. The length of the metaplastic epithelium has been associated with cancer risk. Angiogenesis, inflammation, and increased cell proliferation are early events in the malignant sequence. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Ki-67 are indirect markers of these complex mechanisms. To examine the expression of VEGF, COX-2 and Ki-67 in BE and investigate whether there is an association to Barrett’s length. Immunohistochemistry for VEGF, COX-2, and Ki-67 was performed in well-characterized Barrett’s samples, evaluated using a qualitative scale and compared between long (LSBE) and short (SSBE) segments. The study population consisted of 98 patients (78 men). LSBE and SSBE was diagnosed in 33 (33.7%) and 65 (66.3%) cases, respectively. VEGF was expressed in vascular endothelium of all Barrett’s specimens. COX-2 and Ki-67 expression in metaplastic epithelia was strong in 81.6 and 61.2% of the samples, respectively. Ki-67 expression was significantly stronger in LSBE (p = 0.035), whereas VEGF expression was significantly increased in SSBE (p = 0.031). COX-2 expression was not associated with Barrett’s length. VEGF, COX-2, and Ki-67 were overexpressed in the majority of Barrett’s samples. The length was inversely associated with VEGF expression and directly associated with Ki-67 expression.

Decoy receptor-3 (DcR3) is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily of proteins, which has been implicated in anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory pathways, via binding to TL1A, LIGHT and Fas-L. The role of the TL1A/DcR3 ligand/receptor pair in ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been studied. We investigated the systemic (peripheral blood) and local (large intestine) expression of DcR3 and TL1A in 64 patients with UC and 56 healthy controls. DcR3 serum concentrations were highly elevated in patients with active UC (P

INTRODUCTION: Data on small bowel abnormalities in patients with portal hypertension (PHT) are limited. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract and anemia are common complications in these patients. Capsule endoscopy (CE) was used to evaluate small bowel (SB) pathology in patients with PHT and anemia, and possible associations with various parameters were examined.METHODS: Thirty-five patients with PHT referred for CE investigation of the SB for anemia were prospectively enrolled in the study, as well as 70 age- and sex-matched control patients with anemia, normal liver function and no evidence of PHT who underwent CE.RESULTS: Findings compatible with portal hypertensive enteropathy (PHE) were detected in 65.7% of the patients and in 15.7% of the controls (χ2=26.641, P=0.000). Abnormalities in PHT patients included varices in 25.7%, diffuse changes of mucosa with inflammatory-like appearance in 42.9%, and angiodysplasias and/or spider angiomas in 22.9% of cases. The presence of PHE was significantly associated only with the presence of severe portal hypertensive gastropathy, while the presence of SB varices alone was significantly associated with the presence of severe portal hypertensive gastropathy, larger esophageal varices and the presence of colonic varices.CONCLUSIONS: Varices, diffuse changes of mucosa with inflammatory-like appearance, and angiodysplasias and/or spider angiomas are detected more often in patients with PHT than in controls, and probably constitute the endoscopic characteristics of PHE. CE of the SB added a significant number of likely important findings to those detected by conventional endoscopic techniques for the clinical management of patients with PHT and anemia.

Summary. A randomized trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFN) daily in combination with ribavirin in 301 naive patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Patients were randomized to receive ribavirin 1.2 g daily (QD) for 48 weeks with either IFN 5 MU (thrice weekly) TIW for 8 weeks followed by IFN 3 MU TIW for 40 weeks (IFN TIW, n = 154) or IFN 5 MU QD for 8 weeks followed by IFN 3 MU QD for 16 weeks followed by IFN 3 MU TIW for 24 weeks (IFN QD, n = 147). Treatment discontinuation rates, because of adverse events, were similar in the two arms (14.9% in IFN TIW and 14.3% in IFN QD, P = 0.87). The proportion of patients with sustained virological response (SVR) was 27.9% for patients treated TIW and 38.8% for those treated QD (P = 0.046). According to logistic regression analysis, patients in the IFN QD arm had 1.7 times higher probability of achieving SVR, than those receiving IFN TIW (P = 0.038). Low baseline viral load (P = 0.017) and genotype non-1 (P = 0.036) were associated with higher SVR rates. Combination of IFN/ribavirin for 48 weeks is more effective when IFN is administered daily for the first 24 weeks in naive patients with CHC.

To determine the effect of interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) on the long-term suppression of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in patients with persistently normal or near normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, 76 previously untreated patients with serum HCV RNA and ALT levels1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) were randomized to receive either interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) 5 MU three times a week for 24 weeks (n = 37) or no treatment (n = 39). HCV RNA testing was performed at the end of treatment and after a 6-month follow-up period. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that HCV RNA was detected significantly less frequently in treated than in untreated patients, at the end of both treatment and follow-up (43.2% vs. 7.7%, p0.001, and 21.6% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.033, respectively). Among treated patients, sustained virologic response was significantly higher in non-1 than in genotype 1 patients (8 of 26 or 30.8% vs. 0 of 11, p = 0.038). According to multiple logistic regression, untreated patients had a 13.5 times greater risk to be HCV RNA-positive compared with treated patients (p = 0.040). ALT levels flared up in 3 treated and 9 untreated patients (p = 0.07), suggesting that these flare-ups are related to the natural course of chronic HCV infection rather than to IFN-alpha2b. Thus, such patients could benefit from an IFN-alpha2b in combination with ribavirin regimen.

Background Front-of-pack labeling systems may provide additional guidance to that already available to facilitate the identification of foods that improve diet quality. Objective We examined the association between choosing foods that meet criteria of an established front-of-pack labeling system with food-group and nutrient intakes and cardiometabolic risk factors. Design The association between the consumption of foods that met 2014 American Heart Association (AHA) Heart-Check Food Certification Program criteria and 2005 Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2005) scores, food-group intake, energy intake, nutrient intake, and cardiometabolic risk factors was analyzed in 11,296 men and women ≥ 19 y old by using 1-d dietary recall data from the NHANES 2007-2010. Individuals were categorized into consumers and nonconsumers of AHA Heart-Check Food Certification Program-certifiable foods and quartiles of intakes on the basis of the percentage of calories. Results The consumption of AHA Heart-Check Food Certification Program-certifiable foods was positively associated with HEI-2005 scores and fruit, vegetable, whole-grain, total sugar, fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and inversely associated with the percentage of energy from saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, added sugars, alcohol, and intakes of cholesterol and sodium. The highest quartile of daily energy intake from AHA Heart-Check Food Certification Program-certifiable foods was associated with lower risk of obesity (26%), lower risk of elevated waist circumference (29%), and lower risk of metabolic syndrome (24%) than with lowest intakes (all P Conclusion The choice of foods meeting one front-of-pack labeling system positively influences food-group and nutrient intakes and is associated with a higher diet quality and lower risk of cardiometabolic syndrome.

This article is an appraisal of the use of CT in the management of patients with unstable abdominal trauma. We examined 41 patients with abdominal trauma using noncontrast dynamic CT. In 17 patients a postcontrast dynamic CT was also carried out. On CT, 25 patients had hemoperitoneum. Thirteen patients had splenic, 12 hepatic, 6 pancreatic, 8 bowel and mesenteric, 12 renal and 2 vascular injuries. Seven patients had retroperitoneal and 2 patients adrenal hematomas. All but five lesions (three renal, one pancreatic, and one splenic) were hypodense when CT was performed earlier than 8 h following the injury. Postcontrast studies (n = 17), revealed 4 splenic, 3 hepatic, 1 pancreatic, 3 renal, and 2 bowel and mesenteric injuries beyond what was found on noncontrast CT. Surgical confirmation (n = 21) was obtained in 81.81 % of splenic, 66.66 % of hepatic, 83.33 % of pancreatic, 100 % of renal, 100 % of retroperitoneal, and 85.71 % of bowel and mesenteric injuries. The majority of false diagnoses was obtained with noncontrast studies. Computed tomography is a remarkable method for evaluation and management of patients with hemodynamically unstable abdominal trauma, but only if it is revealed in the emergency room. Contrast injection, when it could be done, revealed lesions that were not suspected on initial plain scans.

Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. Genetic susceptibility to IDDM is encoded by several loci, one of which (IDDM2) maps to a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) minisatellite, upstream of the insulin gene (INS). The short class I VNTR alleles (26-63 repeats) predispose to IDDM, while class III alleles (140-210 repeats) have a dominant protective effect. We have reported that, in human adult and fetal pancreas in vivo, class III alleles are associated with marginally lower INS mRNA levels than class I, suggesting transcriptional effects of the VNTR. These may be related to type 1 diabetes pathogenesis, as insulin is the only known beta-cell specific IDDM autoantigen. In search of a more plausible mechanism for the dominant effect of class III alleles, we analysed expression of insulin in human fetal thymus, a critical site for tolerance induction to self proteins. Insulin was detected in all thymus tissues examined and class III VNTR alleles were associated with 2- to 3-fold higher INS mRNA levels than class I. We therefore propose higher levels of thymic INS expression, facilitating immune tolerance induction, as a mechanism for the dominant protective effect of class III alleles.

The cardiac dysfunction presented in cirrhotic patients is already known as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The pathogenesis of this entity is not fully understood.The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and to investigate the possible role of bacterial endotoxemia on its aggravation.Forty-five cirrhotics were studied by a tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography at rest and after stress. The diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was based on the latest guidelines of the American Society of Echocardiography, whereas its severity was defined by the E/e'av ratio. Endotoxemia was estimated by measuring the serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and cytokines.None of the patients had systolic dysfunction, but 17/45 (37.8 %) had a diastolic one. Patients with grade II diastolic dysfunction had significantly longer QTc (p = 0.049), larger left atrium volume (p = 0.013), higher Brain Natriuretic Peptide levels (p = 0.007) and higher LBP levels (p = 0.02), compared to those with normal cardiac function, without differences in the systemic hemodynamics and the cytokines' levels. Moreover, the severity of diastolic dysfunction as reflected by the E/e'av. was significantly correlated with the LBP levels (p = 0.002). On the multivariate analysis, the LBP was independently associated with the presence of diastolic dysfunction.Cirrhosis is commonly complicated by cardiac dysfunction. Patients with severe cirrhotic cardiomyopathy have higher LBP levels, which are significantly correlated with the degree of diastolic dysfunction. Our findings support a potential role of bacterial endotoxemia on the aggravation of cardiomyopathy in cirrhotic patients.

Cirrhotic patients are predisposed to intestinal bacterial overgrowth with translocation of bacterial products which may deteriorate liver hemodynamics. Having shown that short-term administration of rifaximin improves liver hemodynamics in decompensated cirrhosis, we conducted this study to investigate the effect of intestinal decontamination with rifaximin on the long-term prognosis of patients with alcohol-related decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh 7) and ascites.Patients who had received rifaximin and showed improved liver hemodynamics were enrolled in the current study and continued to receive rifaximin (1200 mg/day). Each patient was matched by age, sex, and Child-Pugh grade to two controls and followed up for up to 5 years, death or liver transplantation. Survival and risk of developing portal hypertension-related complications were compared between rifaximin group and controls.Twenty three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and matched with 46 controls. Patients who received rifaximin had a significant lower risk of developing variceal bleeding (35% vs. 59.5%, P = 0.011), hepatic encephalopathy (31.5% vs. 47%, P = 0.034), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (4.5% vs. 46%, P = 0.027), and hepatorenal syndrome (4.5% vs. 51%, P = 0.037) than controls. Five-year cumulative probability of survival was significantly higher in patients receiving rifaximin than in controls (61% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.012). In the multivariate analysis, rifaximin administration was independently associated with lower risk of developing variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and higher survival.In patients with alcohol-related decompensated cirrhosis, long-term rifaximin administration is associated with reduced risk of developing complications of portal hypertension and improved survival.

The combination of docetaxel, cisplatin and fluorouracil is considered to be one of the reference regimens for advanced gastric cancer, but due to its major myelotoxicity, its use in clinical practice has become limited. This prospective phase II study evaluated the activity and toxicity of a modified regimen with lower doses of docetaxel and cisplatin combined with oral capecitabine instead of fluorouracil for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Treatment consisted of docetaxel at 60 mg/m(2) i.v. followed by cisplatin at 60 mg/m(2), both administered on day one, every three weeks. Capecitabine at 2 g/m(2) per day was administered in two divided doses for 14 days (days 2-15). Thirty six patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 64 years and performance status (ECOG) was 0-1. All patients had advanced disease, 78% with liver metastases, 100% with intra-abdominal lymph node metastases and 67% with peritoneal implants. Out of the 36 patients, 13 had undergone gastric resection, 13 had received adjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan-leucovorin-fluorouracil, while seven patients had undergone adjuvant radiotherapy. The remaining 23 patients presented with advanced inoperable disease. Among 36 evaluable for response cases, there were 16 (44.4%) (Confidence Internal (CI) 95%=28-60%), partial responses. Stable disease was recorded in 12 (33.3%), resulting in an overall disease control rate of 78% (CI 95%=69-87%), while 8 (22.3%) patients progressed on chemotherapy. The median response duration was 6 (range=3-8) months. The median time-to-progression was 5 (range=3-6) months and the median survival (after the administration of a second-line chemotherapy in 12 patients), was 12 (range=5-24) months. Myelotoxocity was the main toxicity, with grade 3-4 neutropenia occurring in 18 (50%) and febrile neutropenia in six (16%) patients. Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) support was given to 16 (44.4%) patients, while grade 3 thrombocytopenia was recorded in two (6%). In conclusion, this modified regimen of docetaxel-cisplatin-capecitabine appears to have comparable efficacy with that reported for the reference regimen, with acceptable toxicity when G-CSF support is provided. However, because due to the small size of the study, further investigation is warranted.

Morbidly obese patients display cardiac abnormalities which are partially reversed after weight loss. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential difference in cardiovascular disease indices between patients who underwent either gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy.Thirty-seven morbidly obese patients who underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 14) or SG (n = 23) were examined before, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Indices of cardiac autonomic nervous system activity were evaluated, namely baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV). A complete echocardiographic study was performed in a subgroup of 17 patients (RYGB 8, SG 9) preoperatively and 6 months after surgery, evaluating epicardial fat thickness, aortic distensibility, left ventricular (LV) Tei index, left atrium diameter, ejection fraction, and LV mass.All subjects experienced significant (p0.001) and similar weight loss independently of the type of operation. BRS and HRV indices improved significantly and to the same degree after surgery in both groups. In the echocardiographic study, all parameters improved significantly at 6 months in comparison with the baseline values. In addition, the RYGB group displayed significantly greater reduction in epicardial fat thickness (p = 0.007) and also tended to have a better LV performance as expressed by the lower values of the Tei index (p = 0.06) compared to the SG group 6 months after surgery.Both RYGB and SG exert comparable effects on weight loss and improvement of cardiovascular parameters. RYGB displays a more beneficial influence on epicardial fat thickness and left ventricular performance than SG.

Review of wireless capsule endoscopy recordings is time consuming. The aim of this study was to evaluate four time-saving methods offered with Rapid Software.A total of 100 wireless capsule endoscopy videos with abnormal findings were evaluated using five different ways of viewing: (a) manual mode at a speed of 10 frames per second (fps), (b) manual mode at a speed of 20 fps, (c) manual mode with a simultaneous display of two images at a speed of 20 fps, (d) automatic mode at a speed of 10 fps, and (e) quickview mode at a speed of 3 fps. Then, we calculated the concordance of abnormal findings between each one of the four time-saving methods using method A.The mean reading time with time-saving methods was significantly shorter than with method A (method A: 59.8 min, method B: 30 min, method C: 30.2 min, method D: 32.2 min, method E: 16.3 min). The agreement in finding abnormal lesions between method A and the four evaluated methods was excellent and almost perfect (κ0.8), except for quickview in recognizing polyps. Diagnostic miss rate was 1% for method D, 2% for B and C, and 12% for E. No tumors and cases of celiac or Crohn's disease were lost by all four methods.We conclude that manual mode/20 fps, the simultaneous projection of two images/20 fps, and automatic mode/10 fps have minimal diagnostic miss rates and can safely replace slower modes in clinical practice. The quickview mode is a safe diagnostic tool only when larger or diffuse lesions are suspected, such as Crohn's or celiac disease.

The contact of the gastric refluxate with the lower esophagus results in an inflammatory-mediated tissue damage. The role of inflammation both in the development and in the advance of Barrett's esophagus (BE) has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the inflammatory infiltration in metaplastic Barrett's epithelium and to explore the association of microscopic inflammation to healed esophagitis and Barrett's length.Inflammatory infiltration was qualitatively evaluated in well-characterized Barrett's specimens. Esophagitis was healed prior to histological sampling. Univariate comparative analysis was performed based on BE length.Ninety-eight patients (78 male, mean age 58.3 ± 13.3 yrs) were retrospectively studied. Thirty-three cases with long segment BE (LSBE) (33.7%) were spotted. Inflammatory infiltration was mild, moderate, and severe in 35 (35.7%), 54 (55.1%), and 9 (9.1%) specimens, respectively. The samples with moderate/severe inflammatory infiltration were obtained from patients who had more frequently been diagnosed with esophagitis (p = 0.025). Hiatal hernia (p = 0.001), esophagitis (p = 0.019), and previous use of anti-secretory drugs (p = 0.005) were more common in LSBE.Inflammatory infiltration of Barrett's epithelium was largely moderate despite preceding healing of erosions with PPIs. Previous diagnosis of esophagitis correlated to the degree of inflammation. No association of inflammation to Barrett's length was established.

Postoperative enteral paresis constitutes a common problem for surgeons around the world. Evidence by many authors suggests that colonic inertia constitutes a major component of postoperative enteral paresis. This study aims at comparing the effect of laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy on colonic transit time in humans. In this study, were included a total of 29 patients suffering from cholelithiasis, divided into two groups, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and an open cholecystectomy group. All patients ingested one capsule containing 24 radiopaque markers on the day of the operation, and plain abdominal films were obtained on the 3rd postoperative day. The number of remaining markers was counted, and the percentage of rejected markers was calculated. For the statistical analysis, SPSS for windows version 12 was used. The study’s results show a significant difference in postoperative colonic motility, in favor of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P = 0,001). Causative interpretation of these results is difficult, mainly due to the multifactorial nature of postoperative colonic hypomotility. The present study suggests an advantage of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as far as the duration of postoperative colonic paresis is concerned.

To evaluate the risk and predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients of the large HEPNET.Greece cohort study who received long-term oral antivirals starting with lamivudine monotherapy.Retrospective analysis of HCC incidence in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients from a retrospective-prospective cohort who were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) starting with lamivudine monotherapy for ≥12 months.A nationwide network of liver centres.818 patients were included: 517 with chronic hepatitis B only; 160 with compensated cirrhosis; 56 with decompensated cirrhosis; 85 with unclassified disease severity.All patients were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) starting with lamivudine monotherapy.Development of HCC.During a median follow-up of 4.7 years, HCC developed in 49 (6.0%) patients. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was higher in patients with cirrhosis than in those with chronic hepatitis B only (11.5% vs 3.2%, respectively; p0.001). HCC developed in 0.7%, 6.7% and 11.7% of patients50, 50-60 and60 years old, respectively (p0.001). Virological on-therapy remission did not significantly affect the incidence of HCC in all patients or those with cirrhosis, but it showed a trend for lower HCC incidence in patients with chronic hepatitis B only (p=0.076). In multivariate analysis, age, gender and cirrhosis were independently associated with HCC risk regardless of virological remission.Long-term therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) starting with lamivudine monotherapy does not eliminate HCC risk in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. The risk of HCC is particularly high in patients with cirrhosis, who should remain under HCC surveillance even during effective therapy. Older age and male gender remain independent risk factors for HCC, while virological on-therapy remission does not seem to significantly reduce the overall incidence of HCC.

To determine the associations between leptin and ghrelin concentrations and sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C patients with steatosis.We retrospectively assessed 56 patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype-1 and 40 with HCV genotype-3. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and those with other causes of chronic liver disease, were excluded. Serum HCV-RNA concentrations were measured before the initiation of treatment; at weeks 12 (for genotype 1 patients), 24 and 48 during treatment; and 24 wk after the end of treatment. Genotype was determined using INNO-LIPA HCV assays, and serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biopsy specimens were scored according to the Ishak system and steatosis was graded as mild, moderate, or severe, according to the Brunt classification.Overall, SVR was positively related to the presence of genotype-3, to biopsy-determined lower histological stage of liver disease, and lower grade of steatosis. Patients ≥ 40 years old tended to be less responsive to therapy. In genotype-1 infected patients, SVR was associated with a lower grade of liver steatosis, milder fibrosis, and an absence of insulin resistance. Genotype-1 infected patients who did not achieve SVR had significantly higher leptin concentrations at baseline, with significant increases as the severity of steatosis worsened, whereas those who achieved SVR had higher ghrelin concentrations. In genotype-3 infected patients, SVR was associated only with fibrosis stage and lower homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance at baseline, but not with the degree of steatosis or leptin concentrations. Genotype-3 infected patients who achieved SVR showed significant decreases in ghrelin concentration at end of treatment. Baseline ghrelin concentrations were elevated in responders of both genotypes who had moderate and severe steatosis.Increased serum leptin before treatment may predict non-SVR, especially in HCV genotype-1 infected patients, whereas increased ghrelin may predict SVR in genotype-1.

Background TNF-like cytokine 1A provides co-stimulatory signals to activated lymphocytes through binding to death-domain receptor-3. Decoy receptor-3 inhibits death-domain receptor-3 signalling, rendering immunocytes resistant to apoptosis. These functions may be important for the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. Aims To study the mucosal and systemic expression of Decoy receptor-3 and TNF-like cytokine 1A in Crohn's disease, in relation to disease activity, localization, and response to treatment. Methods Soluble Decoy receptor-3 and TNF-like cytokine 1A were measured by ELISA in active or quiescent Crohn's disease. Relative mRNA expression in non-affected and inflamed intestinal mucosa was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Results We found significant upregulation of Decoy receptor-3 and its ligands TNF-like cytokine 1A and FasL in inflamed intestinal mucosa of Crohn's disease patients. During active disease, Decoy receptor-3 and TNF-like cytokine 1A were detected in the serum in the majority of patients. Intestinal inflammation was strongly associated with these elevations as they were absent during remission and significantly reduced with anti-inflammatory treatment. Regional diversity was observed as Decoy receptor-3 was upregulated in colonic and ileal sites, whereas TNF-like cytokine 1A was preferentially induced in the large bowel mucosa and systemic circulation of patients with colonic involvement. Conclusions TNF-like cytokine 1A and Decoy receptor-3 are upregulated during active Crohn's disease and may participate in disease pathogenesis and offer novel therapeutic opportunities.

The objective of this study was to investigate changes in the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in the general population and selected groups of immigrants in the region of northeastern Greece over the last decade in relation to the introduction of hepatitis B vaccination programmes. Two population-based seroprevalence surveys were carried out during the years 1992-1994 and 1998-2006. In total, 25,105 individuals were tested for the presence of hepatitis B virus markers: HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. Childhood/adolescence immunisation programmes began early in 1994 in selected groups of immigrants and were complemented by the national vaccination programme in 1998. Between 1992-1994 and 1998-2006, the HBsAg carrier rate declined from 5.4% [95% CI: 4.5-5.9] in adults (20-60 years old) and 1.9% [95% CI: 1.6-2.4] in children/adolescents (5-19 years old) of indigenous residents to 3.4% [95% CI: 2.9-3.8] and 0.6% [95% CI: 0.2-1.4] respectively (p0.05). In spite of a decrease compared with 1992-1994, the percentage of HBsAg carriers was still relatively high in 1998-2006 among the Muslim religious minority group (8.2% [95% CI: 8.0-8.7] in adults and 2% [95% CI: 1.7-2.4] in children/adolescents) and in immigrants from the former Soviet Union (4.3% [95% CI: 3.6-4.7] in adults and 1.1% [95% CI: 0.8-2.4] in children/adolescents) (p0.05 for both selected groups versus general population). The decline of the prevalence of HBsAg in the general population and selected groups of immigrants in northeastern Greece over the last decade supports the effectiveness of the ongoing immunisation programme although the information on the actual number of cases of acute HBV infection is not available.

In recent studies adiponectin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of non alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), a common chronic liver disease with a broad spectrum of histopathologic findings. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum adiponectin levels and steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis in different types of NAFLD patients.Forty three patients with elevated liver enzymes and biopsy proven non alcoholic fatty liver disease and 38 patients with clinically diagnosed NAFLD and permanently normal liver enzymes were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients with biopsy proven NAFLD were divided into two groups: non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): 25 patients and simple steatosis: 18 patients. Serum adiponectin levels were measured with an ELISA immunoassay, and BMI, fasting serum glucose, total and HDL cholesterol, fasting triglyceride levels and insulin resistance were determined.Groups did not differ in age, sex, BMI, waist circumference and HOMA - IR. Only patients with confirmed NASH had lower serum adiponectin levels in comparison to NAFLD patients with both abnormal (6.6 +/- 4.7 microg/mL vs 10.8 +/- 5.6 microg/mL, p = 0.01) as well as normal liver enzymes (6.6 +/- 4.7 microg/mL vs 9.2 +/- 4.8 microg/mL, p = 0.01). For the whole NAFLD group with elevated liver enzymes no correlation was found between serum adiponectin levels and the degree of liver steatosis or fibrosis stage. Also no correlation was found between adiponectin levels and BMI, ALT, AST, gamma GT or HOMA-IR.Patients with established NASH have lower serum adiponectin levels than NAFLD patients with normal or abnormal liver enzymes. Adiponectin was not associated with the severity of hepatic fibrosis.

Interferon (IFN-alpha)-based regimens have been used with varying success in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) for over two decades. The effect of such treatments on the natural course of CHC has been evaluated in small clinical trials with conflicting results.To investigate the natural course of IFNalpha-based-treated and untreated patients with CHC by analysing data from the HEPNET.GREECE study.We retrospectively analysed 1738 patients from 25 Greek Centres (median age 40.1; males 57.6%; cirrhosis 9.2%), 734 untreated and 993 treated with IFNalpha-based regimens [44.7% sustained viral response (SVR)], followed-up for median 25.2 and 46.8 months, respectively.During follow-up, 48 patients developed liver decompensation and 24 HCC. Older age was significantly related to disease progression (HR = 2.6 per 10 years of increasing age). Stratified by baseline cirrhosis, Cox analysis showed that patients with SVR, but not without SVR, had significantly lower hazard for events compared with nontreated patients (HR = 0.16; P0.001), whereas the detrimental effect of older age remained highly significant. Separate group analysis demonstrated that in cirrhosis, the beneficial effect of treatment was evident even without SVR. Treatment effect interacted significantly with age, indicating that older patients, mainly noncirrhotic, gained the most benefit.IFNalpha-based treatment does alter the natural course of CHC. A protective effect is mostly present in patients with SVR, but older patients, at higher risk of events, gain the greatest benefit. In established cirrhosis, treatment carries a protective effect even among those without SVR.

To determine the efficacy of the upper lateral caudal edge management in treating patients with inner nasal valve insufficiency and collapse.This was a prospective study in a group of patients suffering from nasal obstruction owing to nasal valve insufficiency. Forty-three patients, who had undergone septoplasty and inferior turbinectomy, were included. All patients presented with nasal obstruction resulting in persistent functional problems. An anatomically narrow nasal valve, valve collapse, or both were found during the clinical examination.A tertiary referral centre.Revision was undertaken using a new technique to restore the nasal valve, based on upper lateral caudal edge management.Improvement in nasal airway patency evidenced by patient questioning, by clinical inspection of the nose, and by rhinomanometric results.None of the patients had major complications. In 28 (65.1%) patients, symmetrically improved nasal airway patency and elimination of the subjective sensation of inspiratory collapse was found. In 12 (27.9%) patients, a remarkable asymmetric improvement in nasal obstruction was evident. Two (4.6%) patients reported a moderate breathing improvement, and in only one (2.3%) patient, revision was needed. The mean follow-up time was 18 months.Our proposed method is an effective therapeutic approach in the management of inner nasal valve insufficiency. It reconstitutes the normal tension of the inner nasal valve and reestablishes the stiffness and resistance of the lateral nasal wall. It can be performed under local anesthesia in cooperative patients, with minimal morbidity and a high rate of success.

Vascular leiomyoma (angioleiomyoma) of the nasal cavity is an extremely rare tumour. Following a thorough review of relevant literature, we found that such tumours are more common in females. Only 4 of 30 reported cases have been found in male patients. Moreover, considering the site of the lesion within the nasal cavity, only 3 of these 30 cases originated from the nasal vestibule. Hereby, we present a case of vascular leiomyoma arising specifically from the floor of the nasal vestibule in a 68-year-old man, which is unique because it combines the specific tumour localization with the patient's gender.The patient was treated surgically. The tumour was completely removed through an intraoral incision.This is the first reported case of vascular leiomyoma arising from the floor of the nasal vestibule affecting a male patient.

Adiponectin possesses anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherosclerotic properties. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of serum adiponectin in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C and B and correlate them with parameters exploring insulin resistance and indices of chronic liver disease. Seventy-two patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and 73 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, matched for age and sex, were studied. All individuals were examined for serum concentrations of adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Viral parameters and liver histology were also evaluated. Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in HCV compared with HBV-infected patients. Correlation analysis in the whole group demonstrated that serum adiponectin was positively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, globulins, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and staging score, while it was negatively correlated with body mass index, insulin, C-peptide and HOMA-IR. Logistic regression analysis identified type of infection (HCV vs HBV), alcohol consumption more than 25 g daily, serum total globulin and low C-peptide as significant predictive variables associated with high adiponectin levels. Higher levels of serum adiponectin in HCV compared with HBV patients could have a role in the slower disease progression of chronic HCV infection. In addition, alcohol intake more than 25 g daily seems to be a significant predictor for hyperadiponectinaemia in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C or B. Finally, in this study, a clear positive association between adiponectin and hepatic necroinflammation or staging score was not found.

In the pathophysiology of open-angle glaucoma altered perfusion of the optic nerve head is of importance. Up to now these disturbances were presumed to be the chief cause of glaucomatous damage in patients with normal tension glaucoma showing other vascular disturbances like migraine or tinnitus.Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured and the resistive index (RI) was calculated by colour Doppler imaging (CDI) in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and in the short and long posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA, LPCA) in 18 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), in 18 patients with high tension glaucoma (HTG) and in 18 normal control subjects.In an upright sitting position both glaucoma groups showed statistically significant decreases in PSV and EDV in CRA and SPCA compared to the control subjects. HTG when compared to NTG and normal subjects showed statistically significant decreases of EDV and statistically significant increases of RI in LPCA. In addition, compared to normal subjects, HTG patients showed statistically significant increases of RI in both OA and SPCA.Both glaucoma groups showed decreased blood flow velocities in the small retrobulbar vessels in an upright sitting position. Normal tension glaucoma patients with symptoms of vasospasms compared to patients with high tension glaucoma showed only small differences in ocular haemodynamics.

Non-radical surgery is the preferred method of treatment of hydatid liver disease, and is associated with low mortality and recurrence rate. The purpose of the study is the retrospective analysis of the outcome of patients who were treated surgically in a single institution.Between 1987 and 2005, 59 patients, mean age 58.2 +/- 15.9 (13-83) years, underwent surgery for liver hydatid disease. The patients were reassessed with physical examination, serological tests and radiological examination for the evaluation of the recurrence rate.Most cysts were solitary, the more frequently affecting the right lobe of the liver. Radical surgery was possible in four cases (6.8%) that were classified as PNM stage I. Partial cystectomy and omentoplasty was performed in 37 patients (62.7%) and external drainage with partial cystectomy in 18 patients (30.5%). The hospital morbidity was 27.2% and was found to be related to ASA class (p = 0.019). Hospital mortality was 5.1%. The median follow-up time was 94 (1-228) months and 45 out of 59 patients (76.3%) were reassessed, but no recurrence was recorded. There was no significant difference in morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay between partial cystectomy combined with external drainage or omentoplasty (p0.05).PNM staging seems to be a reliable tool in selecting patients with liver hydatid disease for non-radical or radical surgery. Omentoplasty is an easy and effective surgical method for the treatment of hepatic echinococcosis but is not different than partial cystectomy and external drainage in regard to morbidity, mortality, and recurrence.

In this atypical case of sarcoidosis with an unusual combination of clinical and laboratory findings, a 32-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of thoracic pain complicated with dyspnea. Laboratory tests, chest radiography, and CT scans of the chest and abdomen revealed eosinophilia of pleural effusion and blood, pleural thickening, hepatosplenomegaly, and bronchiolitis obliterans. In cases such as this, in which pleural fluid eosinophilia is accompanied by peripheral eosinophilia and splenohepatomegaly, underlying malignancies such as Hodgkin lymphoma should be ruled out. A biopsy of the mediastinal lymph nodes suggested noncaseating epithelioid granulomas, characteristic of sarcoidosis. The patient underwent prednisolone therapy for 1 year and is doing well 2 years after initial diagnosis.

Schwannomas (neurilemmomas) are benign solitary tumours which arise from the Schwann cells of the neural sheath, most often from the VIII cranial nerve. Extracranially, 25% of all schwannomas are located in the head and neck. Intra-oral development is uncommon and a location in the tongue has been reported in individual cases.We present a young patient with a schwannoma in the distal right side of the tongue.The tumour had grown slowly producing no symptoms. The diagnosis was made on histological examination. Surgical enucleation of the mass was uncomplicated and there was no recurrence.We report a further case of a schwannoma of the tongue, highlighting the need for this to be considered in the differential diagnosis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in the treatment of acute external otitis (AEO) in comparison with a standard clinical treatment. All patients who consecutively presented in our emergencies with AEO during the summer months of the previous year were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: the study group included 117 patients treated with TCA and the control group included 98 patients treated with ear drops containing antibiotic and corticosteroid. Occasionally, an antibiotic was administered orally for 7 days, in severe cases of AEO. All patients were evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10, whereas another review appointment was given 20 days later. Outcome measures included evaluation of efficacy using a six-step infection score and tolerability by visual analogue scale. Additionally, adverse reactions, complications and recurrencies were recorded. Treatment was successful for all patients of the study group, whereas 8 failures were found in the control group. The infection score improved faster in the study group than in the control group, resulting in an earlier clinical cure (mean 4.1 and 8.6 days, respectively). Tolerability was significantly better in the study group, on all points of evaluation. Complications and adverse reactions were minimal on both groups. Our results show that TCA is a very effective and nontoxic agent for the treatment of AEO. Rapid pain relief and prevention of recurrencies are its main advantages.

Purpose The autoregulatory control of retrobulbar blood flow in response to postural challenge was investigated in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients in comparison with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and healthy volunteers. Design Prospective cohort study. Participants and Controls Twenty POAG patients, 20 NTG patients, and 20 control subjects. Methods Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistivity index (RI) in the short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA), central retinal artery (CRA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) were recorded after a change from sitting upright to a supine body position using color Doppler imaging. Main Outcome Measures Peak systolic velocity, EDV, and RI. Results Ten minutes after postural change to a supine position, blood flow velocities in the SPCA remained unchanged in controls, whereas a significant increase of PSV and EDV was found in both glaucoma groups. The RI in the SPCA was significantly lowered in the NTG group. Recordings for the OA and CRA showed a significant increase in EDV and significant decrease in RI in all 3 groups; a significant increase in PSV in the CRA was detected only in the NTG group. Conclusions The unaltered flow velocities in the SPCA of healthy controls may indicate tight autoregulatory control, whereas the flow velocities in the CRA and OA appeared to follow alterations in hydrostatic pressure. In contrast, NTG and POAG patients demonstrated an insufficient compensatory response to postural change, leading to accelerated flow in the SPCA. This compromised autoregulatory control could represent another contributing factor in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.

OBJECTIVES: Schwannomas (neurilemmomas) are benign solitary tumours which arise from the Schwann cells of the neural sheath, most often from the VIII cranial nerve. Extracranially, 25% of all schwannomas are located in the head and neck. Intra-oral development is uncommon and a location in the tongue has been reported in individual cases. METHODOLOGY: We present a young patient with a schwannoma in the distal right side of the tongue. RESULTS: The tumour had grown slowly producing no symptoms. The diagnosis was made on histological examination. Surgical enucleation of the mass was uncomplicated and there was no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We report a further case of a schwannoma of the tongue, highlighting the need for this to be considered in the differential diagnosis. B-Ent

SUMMARY. A randomized trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of daily (QD) or thrice weekly (TIW) administration of interferon-a (IFN) in high doses in combination with ribavirin (1.0‐1.2 g/day) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who were nonresponders to previous IFN monotherapy. Interferon was administered as 10 MU IFN (QD or TIW) for 4 weeks, followed by 5 MU IFN (QD or TIW) for 20 weeks, and then by 3 MU IFN (QD or TIW) for 24 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was evaluated in 142 patients who received at least one dose of medication. Onefourth of the patients achieved SVR, 26% of those treated with IFN QD and 25% of those treated with IFN TIW (P ¼ 0.85). For genotype 1 patients, SVR rates were 32.4 and 15.8% for IFN QD and IFN TIW, respectively, whereas for genotype non-1 patients the corresponding SVR rates were 20.6 and 36.4%, respectively (test of homogeneity: P ¼ 0.031). This finding was further confirmed by multivariate logistic regression analysis where a statistically significant interaction (P ¼ 0.012) was found between treatment and HCV genotype indicating that the IFN QD regimen was superior to IFN TIW among genotype 1 patients whereas, among genotype non-1 patients, the two treatments were similar (odds ratio of SVR in IFN QD vs IFN TIW: 3.33 among genotype 1 patients, 95% CI: 1.00‐ 11.14). In conclusion, re-treatment of patients not responding to previous IFN monotherapy with a combination of high daily dose of IFN with ribavirin may be beneficial for genotype 1 infected patients.

In an attempt to investigate the significance of lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of gastritis associated with or without Helicobacter pylori infection, malonodialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by the thiobarbiturate assay in the gastric juice of 101 patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy and correlated with histopathological findings. Elevated MDA levels were found in all patients with gastritis compared with controls. MDA levels were significantly correlated with the extent of the mucosal inflammation and with disease activity in patients with reactive gastritis. In patients with H. pylori associated gastritis MDA levels were not correlated with disease activity but rather with the degree of atrophy. In this case, MDA levels were equal or even less than in patients with reactive gastritis. MDA levels were not affected by the history of consumption of PPIs, of H(2)-blockers or of NSAIDs over the last month before the endoscopy. It is concluded that lipid peroxidation is a mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of gastritis associated or not to H. pylori infection.

Background To evaluate changes in H pylori infection prevalence in Greece during a ten-year period, and to examine its antigenic profile. Methods Three groups of patients were studied. Group O-87: Banked serum samples of 200 consecutive adult outpatients, from the Hepato-Gastroenterology clinic of a teaching hospital at Athens, collected in 1987. Group O-97: Serum samples of 201 similarly selected outpatients from the same Unit, collected in 1997. Group BD-97: Serum samples of 120 consecutive blood donors from the same hospital, collected in 1997. H pylori IgG antibody seroprevalence was studied by a quantitative ELISA. Antigenic profile was studied by western-blot IgG assay, in 62 IgG positive patients of O-97 and BD-97. Results were analyzed by conventional statistics and multivariate regression analysis. Results The H pylori seroprevalence increased with age in the three tested groups. In O-97, seroprevalence did not differ from that, in BD-97. On the contrary, there was a significant decrease in seropositivity between O-87 and O-97 (59.5% vs 49.2%, p = 0.039). Multiple regression analysis showed that age over 35 years (OR:3.45, 95% CI:1.59–7.49, p = 0.002) and year of patients' selection – that is 1987 or 1997 – (OR:1.73, 95% CI:1.14–2.65 for 1987, p = 0.010), were independent risk factors of H pylori infection. The seroprevalence of CagA+ and VacA+ strains was 77.4% and 58.5%, respectively, and type I(CagA+/VacA+) strains were significantly more common than type II(CagA-/VacA-) strains (59.7% vs 22.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions During a ten-year period, we found a significant decrease of H pylori infection in Greece and our data support the birth cohort phenomenon as an explanation for the age-dependent increase of H pylori infection. The prevalence of CagA and/or VacA positive strains is relatively high, in a country with low incidence of gastric cancer.

Octreotide is a novel semisynthetic analogue of somatostatin mainly indicated for acute necrotizing pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to define its role in the treatment of acute pancreatitis of moderate severity.One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned to three groups of treatment receiving octreotide subcutaneously 100, 200 or 300 micrograms t.i.d. for seven days. Physical examination and biochemical monitoring were performed daily.No differences were found between the three groups of patients regarding the rate of rebound of leukocytosis and of the elevated serum and urine amylase levels within normal limits. Patients receiving 300 micrograms t.i.d. presented an earlier relief of pain than all others whereas patients receiving octreotide at a dose of either 200 micrograms or 300 micrograms t.i.d. had a shorter duration of hospitalization (12 days) than those receiving octreotide at 100 micrograms t.i.d. (19 days).The subcutaneous administration of octreotide in acute pancreatitis of moderate severity might be of little benefit only at a dose of 200 micrograms t.i.d. or 300 micrograms t.i.d. for at least seven days.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HCV genotypes among Greek patients with chronic hepatitis C and to assess the influence of genotypes and quasi-species populations on efficacy of interferon therapy. Genotypes were determined in 65 patients (18 patients after kidney transplantation, 16 with thalassemia and 31 with no known risk factor) with elevated ALT for more than 6 months and histologically proven chronic hepatitis, using the Inno-Lipa strip assay. The quasi-species were determined using the fluorescence single-strand conformational polymorphism method. Most patients were infected with genotype 3a, namely 61% of patients with kidney transplants (n = 18), 50% of patients with thalassemia (n = 16) and 48% of patients without known risk factors (n = 31). Other genotypes were found including coinfection with different genotypes. In all patients with mixed infection, genotype 3a was present. Thirty-six patients from the last two groups received interferon (3Mio U 3x week) for 1 year. Biochemical and/or virological and histological responses were found in 11/19 patients with genotype 3a (58%), 3/5 with mixed infection, 2/4 with genotype 1b, 2/5 with genotype 2a, 1/4 with genotype 1a and 1/1 with genotype 4. The virus found in non-responders with genotype 3a was genetically more heterogeneous than in responders. These data indicate that (1) the genotype 3a is prevalent in Greek patients (68% of all patients), (2) there is no significant difference regarding genotypes among patients with different risk factors and (3) although based on a small number of patients, the genotype 3a seems to respond better to interferon therapy. Finally, the number of quasi-species may be a factor predictive of response.

Office, laboratory and radiological investigations are valuable tools that facilitate diagnosis, screening and monitoring processes in clinical practice. However, limitations in the sensitivity, specificity and applicability of a given test to a particular clinical scenario must always be remembered before ordering it. This article examines four case histories that illustrate some issues related to the ordering of tests and the difficulties that investigation results can produce.

To evaluate the clinicopathological features of chronic hepatitis C, 170 liver biopsies were studied and histological grade and stage (degree of fibrosis) of hepatitis were correlated with epidemiological features and characteristic histological findings.Normal liver was found in 3 (1.8%), minimal chronic hepatitis in 40 (23.5%), mild chronic hepatitis in 104 (61.2%) and moderate chronic hepatitis in 23 (13.5%) cases. Cirrhosis was observed in 24 (14.1%) patients and was more frequently encountered among patients more than 40 years old (34.4% vs 2.8%, p10(-6) and rarely among intravenous drug users in comparison with post-transfusion and sporadic cases (3% vs 25% and 20% respectively, p0.005). Minimal chronic hepatitis was more frequently observed among patients 40 years old or younger (30.3% vs 11.5%, p0.01)), while moderate chronic hepatitis was significantly more common in older age groups (24.6% vs 7.3%, p0.005). Multiple regression analysis revealed that only age was statistically related to histological grade and stage of hepatitis (p10(-5). The frequency of the histological features more likely seen in chronic hepatitis C, including steatosis (57.6%), lymphoid follicles and/or aggregates (F/A) (47.1%) and bile duct lesions (22.9%), increased with hepatitis grade and the latter two features were more often encountered in moderate chronic hepatitis (p0.005); in addition, both lesions statistically coexisted (p0.005). No correlation was found between histological findings and possible source of infection.More than half of the chronic hepatitis C patients presented mild histological lesions. Age was proven to be the only independent epidemiological factor related to histological grade and stage of hepatitis. Lymphoid F/A and bile duct damage are important diagnostic findings associated with hepatitis activity.

Thirty revision total hip arthroplasties were performed using the Wagner long uncemented femoral stem. Pre-operative indication included severe proximal femoral bone loss (and in no case was the proximal femur able to support a standard-length uncemented stem). For 15 (50%) patients the procedure was a first revision whereas the other 15 (50%) patients had already undergone one or more previous revisions. The average follow-up was 36.5 months. In all cases regeneration of the proximal femoral bone stock occurred without bone graft. Subsidence of the stem was noted in 6 (20%) patients, but was asymptomatic and did not require re-operation.

The practitioner must be sensitive to the possibility of patients' hidden agendas in presentation, particularly in cases with associated inconsistencies. Issues can be clarified by comprehensive clinical assessment and communication with other health professionals and significant others. This case illustrates some of these issues.