Microvesicle Tissue Factor Procoagulant Activity Is Elevated and Correlated With Disease Severity in Patients With Cirrhosis.

Background And Aims: Tissue factor-expressing microvesicles (MV-TF) have been found to correlate with thrombotic complications in various diseases. Simultaneously, there is expanding research regarding the effect of the coagulation cascade on liver fibrosis progression. The aim of our manuscript was to evaluate MV-TF activity in patients with cirrhosis and its correlation with disease severity.

Nursing Student Knowledge Related to Sepsis in Croatian, Cypriot, and Greek Universities: A Cross-Sectional European Study.

Background: Although the treatment of sepsis has advanced during the past 20 years there is still a high incidence and high mortality, which make sepsis one of the leading public health problems. Adequate knowledge of sepsis and the sepsis guidelines is still the most important pillar for nurses because of the long time they spend with critically ill patients. Given their frontline role in patient care, nurses are pivotal in early sepsis recognition, timely intervention, and ensuring adherence to treatment protocols.

Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with and without COVID-19 during the pandemic: A retrospective cohort study from a tertiary referral hospital.

Objectives: This study aims to detect the prevalence and specific characteristics of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: In this retrospective observational study, conducted in a tertiary hospital in Greece between May 2021 and October 2022, patients with CDI from COVID-19 and Internal Medicine wards were enrolled and compared based on epidemiological and disease-associated data.

Results: In total, 4322 patients were admitted, and 435 samples for CDI were analyzed, with 104/435 (23.

infection diagnosis and management: current practices of Greek gastroenterologists.

Background: The diagnosis and management of () infection vary significantly, depending on country, area, and specialty. The aim of this study was to record the current practices of Greek gastroenterologists in the screening and treatment of infection.

Method: An anonymous questionnaire consisting of 19 questions about the management of infection was sent with the aid of the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology to all members of the Society.

The natural history of COVID-19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide study by the Hellenic Society for the study of IBD.

Objectives: COVID-19 has evolved into a global health crisis, variably affecting the management of patients with chronic illnesses. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may represent a vulnerable population due to frequent administration of immune-modifying treatments. We aimed to depict the natural history of COVID-19 infection in Greek patients with IBD at a nationwide level via unbiased reporting of all cases that were registered during the sequential waves of the pandemic.

Primary gastric melanoma of unknown origin: a case report and short literature review.

Though being usually a cutaneous tumor, melanomas can occur in several extracutaneous sites. Primary mucosal melanomas are rare, and primary gastric mucosal melanomas are considered extremely rare. Compared with cutaneous and ocular melanoma, mucosal melanomas have the lowest five-year survival.

Differences between fellows and fellowship program directors in their perception of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastroenterology training: results from a nationwide survey in Greece.

Background: Lockdown measures applied during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused a significant disturbance to hospital routine. We assessed trainees' and fellowship directors' perceptions regarding the impact of the pandemic on gastroenterology fellowship training.

Methods: A web-based survey was anonymously disseminated to all Greek gastroenterology fellows and fellowship program directors.

Endoscopic sedation practices of Greek gastroenterologists: a nationwide survey.

Background: Sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy is rapidly evolving worldwide. However, this has led to significant disagreements, especially regarding the use of propofol by non-anesthesiologists. The aim of this study was to document the practices of Greek gastroenterologists regarding sedation and compare them to previous surveys.

Cultural factors and the circadian rhythm of ST elevation myocardial infarction in patients in a Mediterranean island.

Introduction: The circadian rhythm of onset of myocardial infarction shows an increased risk during the morning hours. However, it is not clear whether habits, culture and sunshine hours differentiate circadian rhythm. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cultural factors on the circadian rhythm of acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation in a Mediterranean island.

Is propofol the optimal sedative in gastrointestinal endoscopy?

Propofol is a sedative agent commonly used for sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Its pharmacologic properties render propofol an almost ideal drug to achieve and maintain the targeted level of sedation in even complex gastrointestinal procedures. When compared with other sedative agents, propofol is associated with better patient and endoscopist satisfaction and shorter recovery times.

Effects of antiviral treatment on the risk of hepatocellular cancer in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Accumulating data suggest that antiviral treatment in both CHB and CHC reduces the incidence of HCC. Evidence is more consistent for interferon-based treatment in both CHB and CHC and for lamivudine in patients with CHB.

Common ABCB1 polymorphisms in Greek patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: A comparison with hyperlipidemic patients and the general population.

Background: Hepatitis C virus infectivity and replication efficiency appears to be dependent on the lipid content and organization of the plasma membrane of the host cell, as well as of the intracellular membranous web. As there is increasing awareness of a role played by the efflux pump ABCB1 (p-glycoprotein, P-gp) in lipid homeostasis, its function could be a determinant of chronic HCV infection. The aim of the present study was to examine and compare the distribution of common ABCB1 genotypes in patients with chronic HCV infection (n=168), hyperlipidemic patients (n=168) and a control group (n=173), all from Greece.

The Greek version of the 9-item European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale: a multidimensional or a uni-dimensional scale?

Objectives: To evaluate the dimensionality of the Greek version of the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale (Gr9-EHFScBS) in a Greek-Cypriot population.

Background: EHFScBS is a valid and reliable scale which is widely used for assessing heart failure (HF) patients' self-care behaviors.

Methods: EHFScBS was translated into Greek and was administered to 128 Greek-Cypriot HF patients.

Educational challenges to the health care professional in heart failure care.

The purpose of this review is to discuss the educational challenges faced by health care professionals in the care and management of patients with heart failure (HF). Self-care is a vital component in HF management, and promotion of self-care through education is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care and supports patients' right to autonomy. The ultimate goal is not simply to convey knowledge, but to promote patients' understanding and to enhance their self-care skills by assuming an active role in their care.

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b pen device and ribavirin treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C: an evaluation of patient satisfaction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of patients with chronic hepatitis C who used the pegylated interferon α-2b pen device.

Methods: Patients from multiple centers in Greece were recruited to participate in this noninterventional, observational study. Patients received pen device training for at least 6 weeks before treatment and used questionnaires to provide feedback (rating scale: 1-4, negative; 5-7, positive) on training, medication preparation and injection, and appreciation of the device.

Peginterferon alfa-2b as monotherapy or in combination with lamivudine in patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: a randomised study.

Background: The efficacy of pegylated interferon alfa-2b alone or in combination with lamivudine for the treatment of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative (-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is understudied.

Material/methods: One hundred twenty-six patients with HBeAg(-)chronic hepatitis B received pegylated interferon alfa-2b > or =1.5 micro g/kg/wk for 48 weeks.