Critical review of the use of erythropoietin in the treatment of anaemia during therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

Combined pegylated interferon (PegIFN) and ribavirin represents the standard therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), which allows for sustained viral response (SVR) in up to 90% of patients depending on certain viral and host factors. Clinical studies have demonstrated the importance of adherence to therapy, that is, the ability of patients to tolerate and sustain a fully dosed therapy regimen. Adherence is markedly impaired by treatment-related adverse effects.

Approaches and challenges in evaluating measures taken against right-wing extremism.

Right-wing extremism has reemerged on the political agenda in Switzerland over the last decade, much as in other European states. Most of the time, right-wing extremism remains latent. However, as soon as a constituency is confronted with manifest right-wing incidents (right-wing extremist group meetings, racist assaults or violence against individuals and groups), the issue reappears in the political sphere.

Treatment-resistant lingual Crohn's disease disappears after infliximab.

Oral manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD) are not uncommon, but they can be difficult to diagnose and treat. We describe a patient with long-standing CD and a lingual ulcer, which we attributed to CD. The oral lesions were unresponsive to conventional therapy such as steroids, mesalamine, and other topical agents.

Roles of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor Met during gastric ulcer healing in rats.

Background & Aims: It is unclear which growth factors are primarily responsible for stimulating gastric ulcer healing. The roles of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and Met/HGF receptor during gastric ulcer healing were studied in rats.

Methods: HGF and Met/HGF receptor were located and quantified by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry during experimental gastric ulcer healing.