Background/Aims: The outcome of laparoscopic myotomy for achalasia is dictated by many factors. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted between 1997-2007, 58 patients who fulfilled all criteria for the diagnosis of achalasia underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and 45 (77.6%) were included. Mean follow-up period was 36±15 months; 56 patients had ...

Background/Aims: Efficacy of fibrin glue to prevent biliary or pancreas fistula at the resected edge of the liver or pancreas is controversial. We examined surgical results of fibrin glue use in patients who underwent hepatectomy or pancreatectomy to assess the efficacy of its use. Methodology: Subjects were divided into two ...

Compared to the developed world, there are relatively few studies that describe the tumor biology of breast cancer in African women. While little is known about the tumor biology, clinical and epidemiologic studies suggest that breast cancer in African women are characterized by presentation at late stage and poor clinical ...

Background/Aims: In this study, adenovirus carrying human HGF gene (Ad-HGF) was administered to investigate whether hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can restore liver regeneration after prolonged cold ischemia, especially during the initiation phase, in a rat model of small-for-size liver transplantation. Methodology: A rat model was established using 30% small-for-size liver ...

The 2006 Massachusetts health reform substantially decreased uninsurance rates. Yet, little is known about the reform's impact on actual health care utilization among poor and minority populations, particularly for receipt of inpatient surgical procedures that are commonly initiated by outpatient physician referral. Using discharge data on Massachusetts hospitalizations for 21 ...

Lobomycosis is a rare chronic fungal infection of the subcutaneous tissue found in South America, mainly in Brazil. It is caused by Lacazia loboi. Its clinical manifestations are dermal nodules, either lenticular or in plaques, and keloidlike lesions that can resemble nodular leprosy or leishmaniasis, other subcutaneous mycoses (sporotrychosis, chromomycosis, ...

Background/Aims: To evaluate the correlation between the expression of stem cell makers and prognosis in colorectal cancer. Methodology: Eligible studies evaluating the correlation between stem cell makers and prognosis were selected based on the references in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane libraries. Outcome measures included overall survival, relevant pathological parameters. Meta-analyses ...

Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has poor long-term prognosis so we need new diagnostic techniques and markers to detect HCC in the early phases. The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of serum mean platelet volume in HCC. Methodology: The clinical data of 230 subjects with normal, chronic ...

• Paclitaxel and rosiglitazone are primarily metabolized by CYP2C8 and their in vitro metabolism by human liver microsomes is correlated. Probe assays that quantify the in vivo activity of CYP enzymes which are important in drug metabolism have been developed for use in clinical pharmacology research. A probe of CYP2C8 ...

The 1354C>T polymorphism of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A gene (5-HTR2A) was implicated in human memory performance. We investigated the relationship between this polymorphism and cognitive function in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We also evaluated if this polymorphism could influence the phenotype. There were 138 patients with TLE: 25% ...

Eumycetoma is caused by different fungi. Madurella mycetomatis, Madurella grisae, and Scedosporium apiospermum are the most common causative agents. This disease is more frequent on the lower extremities but can also be present in other areas. The diagnosis is made by direct microscopic examination and histologic study, which should show ...

Background/Aims: Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency after bariatric surgery. The predictors of anemia have not been clearly identified. This issue is useful for selecting an appropriate surgery procedure for morbid obesity. Methodology: From December 2000 to October 2007, a retrospective study of 442 obese patients after bariatric surgery ...

Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) using the radiopharmaceutical 18F-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) play an important role in the diagnosis and tumor node metastasis staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CT is the optimal modality for evaluating the primary tumor, whereas PET is useful in improving the ...

Background/Aims: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of age on the outcome of hepatic resection in octogenarian patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methodology: Data of 408 consecutive primary HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy were studied. The surgical results of the younger group (<80 years ...

Backgrounds/Aims: Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) is an image enhancement system that can obtain bright and high-contrast images. FICE for capsule endoscopy (CE) is available during interpretation of Given Imaging, but its usefulness is rarely reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the preview of angiodysplasia by ...

This is a review of the major publications from the Nigeria national blindness survey in order to highlight major findings and challenges of eye care in Nigeria. The review summarizes methodology and key findings. Survey publications on methodology, prevalence and causes of visual impairment and outcome of cataract surgery were ...

Background/Aims: The prognostic factor(s) of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater were analyzed retrospectively and the significance of lymphadenectomy around the superior mesenteric artery and para-aortic region on the clinical outcome was evaluated. Methodology: From 1985 to 2008, 34 carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with ...

We used a phenomenological method to examine how the caregiving experiences of Taiwanese women who care for a sibling with cerebral palsy (CP) influence their life decisions. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with six adult women, each of whom self-identified as being the sister most involved in caring for a ...

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of thrombin and the thrombin receptor protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 on adhesion of human pancreatic cancer cell lines to extracellular matrices (ECMs) and to identify related integrins with these effects. Methodology: Human pancreatic cancer cell lines SUIT-2 and its four ...

Brentuximab vedotin (SGN-35; Adcetris®) is an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated via a protease-cleavable linker to the potent anti-microtubule agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). Following binding to CD30, brentuximab vedotin is rapidly internalized and transported to lysosomes where MMAE is released and binds to tubulin, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. ...

In this study, 50 in-depth interviews were carried out with women from the general population in Thika, Kenya. We explored awareness, attitudes, and behavior toward cervical cancer and screening measures among the women. The concept of the health belief model (HBM) was used to develop the topics for the in-depth ...

Hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium is rare and has an extremely poor prognosis. Surgery was once regarded as a contraindication, then as a palliative method to prevent emergencies such as pulmonary embolism or heart failure. With advances of imaging techniques, hepatectomy and widespread use of ...

Phaeohyphomycosis designates fungal infections caused by pheoid or melanized fungi and characterized histopathologically by the presence of septate hyphae, pseudohyphae, and yeasts. Etiologic agents include Exophiala, Phoma, Bipolaris, Phialophora, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Alternaria, Exserohilum, and Phialemonium sp. The most common are Exophiala jeanselmei and Wangiella dermatitidis. The clinical presentation depends on ...

Background/Aims: Although endoscopic resection is sometimes associated with chest pain, the risk factors for this complication have not been investigated. Methodology: From January 2003 to December 2007, 241 patients were treated by endoscopic resection and 139 patients who met our criteria were analyzed. The case group was 40 patients who ...

Positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) are widely used as a powerful evaluation modality in oncological nuclear medicine not only for detecting tumors but also for staging and for therapy monitoring. Nevertheless, there are numerous causes of FDG uptake in benign processes seen ...

During the past ten years, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have taken center stage in the field of targeted therapy and diagnosis. This increased interest in mAbs is due to their binding accuracy (affinity and specificity) together with the original molecular and structural rules that govern interactions with their cognate antigen. In ...

Immunofluorescent serum studies of the roles of the two groups of normal complement-fixing autoantibodies in psoriasis are complicated by the interference phenomenon. Both antibodies have the potential to react in vivo at sites of trauma and in psoriasiform lesions. In serum tests, only one or the other reacts, as demonstrated ...

Background/Aims: Differentiation of benign obstructive jaundice from malignant obstructive jaundice still remains difficult, despite improvements in diagnostic modalities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of red cell distribution width (RDW) in differentiating benign and malignant causes of obstructive jaundice. Methodology: One hundred and ninety four consecutive ...

Although the term biosurveillance is employed with increasing frequency there remain variances in way in which the concept is both understood and practiced in the US and the UK, respectively. In this paper I begin by exploring the different epistemological and geographical approaches to biosurveillance that are employed in each ...

(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is the most common positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer used in prostate and bladder cancer evaluation, but its role is hampered by a generally low glucose metabolic rate in primary prostate carcinoma, and physiological excretion of FDG through the urinary system masking FDG uptake in primary bladder and ...

Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common, chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate post-transcriptional expression of protein-coding mRNAs, which may have key roles in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. In experimental models of prolonged, injurious seizures (status epilepticus) and in human ...

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions globally and is considered a universal public health concern. Our study addresses a considerable knowledge gap about the health of female survivors of TBI. Using a retrospective cohort study design, we examined behavioral risk factors, access to health screenings, and primary care services among ...

• Nevirapine pharmacokinetics are affected by several factors including CYP2B6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These genetic profiles are more common in African patients and they affect the drug clearance being associated with higher trough concentrations. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacogenetic (PK/PG) studies are difficult to perform in remote areas where refrigeration is not available, ...

This paper examines the lessons learned from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in relation to wider work on globalization and the epidemiology of inequality. The media attention and economic resources diverted to the threats posed by H1N1 were significant inequalities themselves when contrasted with weaker responses to more lethal threats posed ...

Pancreatic-duct dilatation is frequently observed in the patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreaticodigestive anastomotic stricture may occasionally develop after PD. Stenosis of the pancreaticoenterostomy induces obstructive chronic pancreatitis, which occurs due to primary stenosis or obstruction of the main pancreatic duct and causes in inflammation of the distal pancreas. ...

Withdrawal (WD) is not a reliable method for preventing unwanted pregnancies, yet it is still a very popular form of birth control in many societies, including Turkey. We look at the relationship between women's agency and physical space in relation to birth control choices of women in Turkey. Agency in ...

Background/Aims: Human pancreatic cancer is characterised by an extensive desmoplastic reaction. Activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and their interactions with pancreatic cancer cells seem to be of essential importance in this process. Expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor (FGFR) 1 splice variants may be of special interest in ...

Positron emission tomography (PET) has revolutionized cancer imaging. The current workhorse of molecular imaging, fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET is used in the majority of malignant tumors with a few exceptions. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of those exceptions because of its variable uptake of FDG, although this variable uptake may ...

Optimizing sample processing, reducing the duration of the preparation of specimen, and adjusting procedures to adhere to new health and safety regulations, are the current challenges of plant electron microscopists. To address these issues, plant processing protocols for TEM, combining the use of polyphenolic compounds as substitute for uranyl acetate ...

Spontaneous bone regeneration is an uncommon condition following traumatic or iatrogenic bone loss. The factors responsible for its occurrence are yet to be fully elucidated. This report presents spontaneous bone regeneration following mandibular resection for a giant odontogenic myxoma in a 16-years-old Nigerian male. New bone formation was observed at ...

The Innovative Approaches in Anti-Cancer Monoclonal Antibodies meeting, held on March 20, 2012 in Lyon, was organized by Cancéropôle Lyon Auvergne-Rhône-Alps in partnership with the French competitiveness cluster Lyonbiopôle. CLARA is one of the seven cancer research clusters within France in charge of facilitating Translational Oncology Research by taking into ...

There is an increase in the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) over the last six decades, probably as a result of higher longevity and lifestyle changes witnessed in the years following World War II. Though earlier studies mainly from Southern Africa suggest abdominal aortic aneurysms as uncommon amongst black ...

BACKGROUND: We previously performed a randomized placebo-controlled trial to examine the effects of azithromycin in children and adolescents 6-18 years of age with cystic fibrosis uninfected with Pseudomononas aeruginosa and demonstrated that while azithromycin did not acutely improve pulmonary function, azithromycin-reduced pulmonary exacerbations, decreased the initiation of new oral antibiotics, ...

The classification of human fungal infections in medical reports is sometimes confusing. This occurs because some agents act as opportunistic organisms in immunosuppressed patients, whereas others affect the subcutaneous tissue and also cause disseminated or systemic disease. Finally, some clinically similar infections caused by aerobic actinomycetic bacteria and others caused ...

Background/Aims: Surgical management of gastric outlet obstruction may associate with significant morbidity and mortality. Few studies have documented surgical outcomes in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to review recent operative results of benign gastric outlet obstruction in elderly patients compared with younger patients. Methodology: Forty- seven consecutive ...

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose avidity for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma is variable, depending on the underlying tumor biology. Experience with non-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) tracers (eg, 18F-labeled amine precursors l-dihydroxyphenylalanine and 68Ga-DOTA-peptides for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and radiolabeled acetate or choline for hepatocellular carcinoma) is evolving and expanding rapidly. This article reviews the ...

More than 80% of deliveries amongst the urban poor are conducted at home, mostly by traditional birth attendants (TBAs). In all, 29 eligible TBAs in the study area were identified and interviewed to assess their knowledge and practices regarding antenatal and perinatal care. Their knowledge about complications in antenatal and ...

Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis. It is usually acquired by traumatic inoculation, and it is caused by one of the species of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. More than 6 species, such as S schenckii sensu stricto, Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix globosa, Sporothrix mexicana, and Sporothrix albicans, have been identified ...

Background/Aims: Increased incidences of gallbladder disorders after esophagectomy and gastrectomy have been reported. Moreover, several researchers have reported increased incidences of gallbladder diseases in patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition. We studied the incidence of cholecystitis or cholestasis and determined its relationship with total parenteral nutrition; further, we compared the ...

Actinomycetoma is a chronic subcutaneous infection caused by aerobic branching actinomycetes. Its clinical features are firm tumefaction of the affected site and the presence of abscesses, nodules, and sinuses that drain a seropurulent exudate containing filamenting granules. The disease is caused by inoculation of the infectious agent through minor trauma ...