Initial size of unilateral pleural effusion determines impact of thoracocentesis on oxygenation.

Background: There have been contradicting reports in the literature regarding the impact of pleural fluid aspiration on patients' oxygenation. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the initial size of effusion on post-drainage oxygenation.

Methods: We studied 122 patients, aged (mean±SD) 61.

Temporal evolution of thoracocentesis-induced changes in spirometry and respiratory muscle pressures.

Background: Several studies investigated the effects of thoracocentesis on aspects of respiratory function without generally ensuring absence of coexistent lung pathology or homogeneity in initial size of the effusion.

Methods: We studied 90 patients aged 61.6±15.

Management and postoperative outcome in primary lung cancer and heart disease co-morbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Co-morbidity of primary lung cancer (LC) and heart disease (HD), both requiring surgical therapy, characterizes a high risk group of patients necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is the review of available evidence guiding the management of these patients.

Methods: Postoperative outcome of patients operated for primary LC (first meta-analysis) and for both primary LC and HD co-morbidity (second meta-analysis), were studied.

Comparative changes in tissue oxygenation between laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

Background: Previous studies examined the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) versus open cholecystectomy (OC) on physiological variables of the respiratory system. In this study we compared changes in arterial blood gases-related parameters between LC and OC to assess their comparative influence on gas exchange.

Methods: We studied 28 patients, operated under identical anesthetic protocol (LC: 18 patients, OC: 10 patients).

Effects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on lung function: a systematic review.

Aim: To present and integrate findings of studies investigating the effects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on various aspects of lung function.

Methods: We extensively reviewed literature of the past 24 years concerning the effects of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in comparison to the open procedure on many aspects of lung function including spirometric values, arterial blood gases, respiratory muscle performance and aspects of breathing control, by critically analyzing physiopathologic interpretations and clinically important conclusions. A total of thirty-four articles were used to extract information for the meta-analysis concerning the impact of the laparoscopic procedure on lung function and respiratory physiopathology.

The role of neurotrophins in axonal growth, guidance, and regeneration.

Neurotrophins are proteins that regulate neuronal survival, axonal growth, synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission. They are members of the neurotrophic factors family and include factors such as the nerve growth factor (NGF), the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and the neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5). These molecules bind to two types of receptors: i) tyrosine kinase receptors (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) and ii) a common neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR).

Ectopic modified sebaceous glands in human penis.

The balanopreputial sulcus is believed to be the most frequent site of the so-called Tyson's glands. The intriguing feature of these anatomical structures is their mere existence, which has been doubted. Herein, the authors present a case of a 24-year-old man who underwent surgical treatment of his phimosis.

Pericardial involvement as an atypical manifestation of giant cell arteritis: report of a clinical case and literature review.

Purpose: Pericardial effusion has been known to be a rare manifestation of giant cell arteritis. During the last six decades, only 24 cases have been cited in the literature. In this report, we describe the case of a patient presenting with nonspecific symptoms and development of pericardial effusion.

Penile erection during transurethral surgery.

Intraoperative penile erection during endoscopic surgery, although an infrequent occurrence, is a troublesome complication and a challenge to the urologist. It is difficult to perform the procedure during penile erection, because various complications may occur. The etiology is unclear, and a number of pharmacological remedies have been discussed in the literature.

Changes in breathing control and mechanics after laparoscopic vs open cholecystectomy.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that there might be different effects on breathing control and respiratory mechanics after laparoscopic vs open cholecystectomy.

Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Setting: A general hospital in Greece.

The art of science: transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and Golconda.

Science and art are, surprisingly, intimately linked to each other. Over the centuries, artists used their talent in order to depict with the greatest detail possible the human anatomy and later the histology of tissues, helping scientists comprehend better the world and human nature. From the opposite perspective, scientific images coming from observation or experimentation can constitute art since they can have form and beauty.