Training of different endoscopic skills on ex-vivo animal model.

Introduction: Virtual reality simulator and ex vivo animal models are used for training of both basic and advanced endoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to assess whether hands-on training on ex vivo animal model improves endoscopic skills. Four different endoscopic techniques were practiced: endoscopic resection, endoscopic stenting, application of the over-the-scope (OVESCO) clip, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Training on an ex vivo animal model improves endoscopic skills: a randomized, single-blind study.

Background: Animal models are used for training of different endoscopic procedures. Whether this really improves endoscopic skills remains controversial.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of training by using an ex vivo animal gastric model on the performance of two therapeutic procedures-hemostasis and treatment of perforation.

Molecular biology of pancreatic cancer.

In spite of continuous research efforts directed at early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer, the outlook for patients affected by the disease remains dismal. With most cases still being diagnosed at advanced stages, no improvement in survival prognosis is achieved with current diagnostic imaging approaches. In the absence of a dominant precancerous condition, several risk factors have been identified including family history, chronic pancreatitis, smoking, diabetes mellitus, as well as certain genetic disorders such as hereditary pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma, and Peutz-Jeghers and Lynch syndromes.

"A surviving myth"--corticosteroids are still considered ulcerogenic by a majority of physicians.

Objective: Evidence does not support an association between systemic corticosteroid use and the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and prophylactic anti-ulcer therapy is not routinely indicated. The aim was to find out the opinion of physicians in the Czech Republic on corticosteroid-induced ulcers.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire-based study targeting 360 physicians of different specialties (100 from Gastroenterology, 100 from General Practice, 80 from Pneumology/Immunology, and 80 from Neurology/Neurosurgery).

Colorectal cancer screening in Europe.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent malignant disease in Europe. Every year, 412 000 people are diagnosed with this condition, and 207 000 patients die of it. In 2003, recommendations for screening programs were issued by the Council of the European Union (EU), and these currently serve as the basis for the preparation of European guidelines for CRC screening.

Interferon-beta-1a for the treatment of steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background & Aims: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of recombinant interferon-beta-1a (rIFN-beta-1a) in outpatients with active steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis.

Methods: Ninety-one randomized patients subcutaneously received 3 MIU rIFN-beta-1a (group A, n = 32), 1 MIU rIFN-beta-1a (group B, n = 30), or placebo (group C, n = 29) 3 times a week over a period of 8 weeks in addition to standard therapy. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment.

Gunshot liver trauma with disruption of the right hepatic duct managed by surgery, radiology, and endoscopy: a case report.

During the process of treating a complicated gunshot wound of an upper limb, chest, abdomen, and spine, there appeared--sometime after the initial treatment--a necrosis of the right hepatic duct in the bullet path within the liver. Although laparotomy was the life-saving operation during the first and second period, the final diagnosis and solution were based on bypassing the defect, i.e.