Smoking History and Nicotine Dependence Alter Sleep Features in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

There are many aspects in the relationship between smoking and sleep that have not been investigated thoroughly yet, especially in regards to obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). In this cross-sectional study, 2359 participants, who have visited the sleep clinic of our hospital during a 13-year period and were former or current smokers, were included. Their smoking history, measured in packyears of smoking, and their nicotine dependence, measured with the Fagerström scale, were correlated with various epidemiological and sleep-related variables.

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.

The Interactions between Smoking and Sleep.

Smoking a cigarette before bed or first thing in the morning is a common habit. In this review, the relationship between smoking and sleep is investigated based on the existing literature. Out of 6504 unique items that were identified via a PubMed search related to smoking and sleep, 151 were included in this review.

Is there a correlation between the changes in airway inflammation and the changes in respiratory mechanics after vaping in patients with asthma?

Background: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) have been promoted as alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

Aim: To investigate ECs' effects on respiratory system, especially in patients with respiratory diseases.

Methods: We randomly selected 25 smokers with stable moderate asthma and matched them with 25 healthy smokers.

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.

Smoking-Induced Disturbed Sleep. A Distinct Sleep-Related Disorder Pattern?

The relationship between smoking and sleep disorders has not been investigated sufficiently yet. Many aspects, especially regarding non-obstructive sleep apnea−hypopnea (OSA)-related disorders, are still to be addressed. All adult patients who visited a tertiary sleep clinic and provided information about their smoking history were included in this cross-sectional study.

Sleep During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose Of Review: We reviewed current evidence on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sleep of different populations.

Recent Findings: Several studies demonstrated that sleep deprivation may cause immune system dysregulation, which deteriorates the course of COVID-19. The increased prevalence of sleep disorders among COVID-19 patients has been associated with more severe disease and worse clinical outcomes.

Endothelial and microvascular function in liver cirrhosis: an old concept that needs re-evaluation?

Liver cirrhosis is characterized by significant circulatory dysregulation, related to an imbalance among several vasodilating agents, mainly nitric oxide. In contrast to portal vein and macrovascular hemodynamic alterations, which have been rather well described, the peripheral microcirculatory and endothelial structure and function in this population are less well studied. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by an imbalance between endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors.

Peripheral endothelial and microvascular damage in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using any available functional method to examine differences in peripheral endothelial function between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic individuals.

Methods: Literature search involved PubMed, Web-of-Science, and Scopus databases, as well as gray literature sources. We included studies in adult subjects evaluating endothelial function with any semi-invasive or non-invasive functional method in patients with and without liver cirrhosis.

Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in patients with cirrhosis: evaluation of equations currently used in clinical practice and validation of Royal Free Hospital cirrhosis glomerular filtration rate.

Objective: Conventional creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate (GFR) equations have been reported to overestimate renal function in patients with cirrhosis. The Royal Free Hospital (RFH) cirrhosis GFR equation was developed to accurately estimate GFR in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of widely available equations [Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation (CKD-EPI), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equations (MDRD-4, MDRD-6)] and the RFH equation to correctly estimate the GFR of patients with cirrhosis.

Comparative efficacy of long-term antibiotic treatments in the primary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Background & Aims: Several antibiotic treatments aiming to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients with low-protein content in ascitic fluid have been tested; however, there are limited data on the comparative efficacy of these regimens. We assessed their comparative efficacy through a network meta-analysis and using GRADE criteria to appraise quality of evidence.

Methods: Through literature review through October 2018, we identified 10 randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotic treatments (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and rifaximin) with each other or placebo.