Association between CUBN gene variants, type 2 diabetes and vitamin D concentrations in an elderly Greek population.

Accumulating evidence suggests a potential implication of vitamin D biological network in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. The megalin-cubilin endocytotic system constitutes a key transport structure, with a modulating role in vitamin D metabolism. We aimed to assess the contribution of variants in the CUBN gene to the genetic risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Assessment of association between lipoxygenase genes variants in elderly Greek population and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Arachidonic acid lipoxygenases have been intensively studied in their role in inflammation in metabolic pathways. Thus, we aimed to explore variants of lipoxygenase genes (arachidonate lipoxygenase genes) in a diabetes adult population using a case-control study design.

Can a giant cervical osteophyte cause dysphagia and airway obstruction? A case report.

Cervical spondylosis is a common disorder mainly affecting elderly people. It frequently presents with excessive bone formation (osteophytes). These may lead to pain and neurological deficits due to root compression.

Complete response after sorafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in an HIV-HBV co infected patient: Possible synergy with HAART ? A case report.

A significant proportion of HIV patients, ranging between 5-67%, are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Several studies suggest an increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HIV infected individuals. We report the case of a 69 years old male co infected with HBV and HIV who developed HCC.

The role of serial measurement of serum HBV DNA levels in patients with chronic HBeAg(-) hepatitis B infection: association with liver disease progression. A prospective cohort study.

Background/aims: To evaluate the fluctuating course of serum HBV-DNA levels during the natural history of chronic HBV infection in the general population of North-Eastern Greece, in association with liver disease progression.

Methods: Two hundred and sixty-three adults with chronic HBV, median 34 years of age, were randomly selected and prospectively followed-up for a maximum period of 12 years. Viral markers, liver biochemistry and physical examination were performed every 6 months, and liver biopsy/abdominal ultrasound every 2-4 years.

Natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in children of different ethnic origins: a cohort study with up to 12 years' follow-up in northern Greece.

Aim: To investigate the mode of transmission and the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children of different ethnicities in Greece. This study was part of the Interreg I-II EC project.

Patients And Methods: One hundred seventy-three hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)(+) carriers, median age 6.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori: lack of influence of infection on oesophageal manometric, 3-hour postprandial pHmetric and endoscopic findings.

Aim: To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease according to manometric and pHmetric findings.

Method: Fifty-nine consecutive patients with reflux symptoms and endoscopic evidence of mild oesophagitis, were recruited. Manometry and ambulatory pHmetry were performed in all patients, as well as the 3-hour postprandial pHmetry, as a more flexible and well tolerable test.

Maximal voluntary ventilation in myasthenia gravis.

Assessment of respiratory muscle weakness is important at all stages of myasthenia gravis. The maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) is an objective dynamic method for measuring the working capacity of respiratory muscles. The clinical value of this method was studied in 24 newly diagnosed patients with myasthenia gravis, classified according to Osserman criteria (grades I, IIa, and IIb).