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.

Correlation of bioelectrical impedance analysis phase angle with changes in oxidative stress on end-stage renal disease patients, before, during, and after dialysis.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition that promotes oxidative stress. There are conflicting evidence about the role of hemodialysis on oxidative stress, that are mostly related with the various types of membrane materials used, the quality and type of dialysate, the method used, etc. The phase angle (PhA), which is determined with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), measures the functionality of cell membranes.

Polymorphisms in prothrombotic genes in young stroke patients in Greece: a case-controlled study.

Mechanisms of ischemic stroke in young adults are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the frequency of common variations in prothrombotic genes between young patients with ischemic stroke and controls. Fifty-one cases of first-ever ischemic stroke and 70 community-based controls aged below 50 years 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.

Cell adhesion molecules and in vitro fertilization.

This review addresses issues regarding the need in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) field for further predictive markers enhancing the standing embryo selection criteria. It aims to serve as a source of defining information for an audience interested in factors related to the wide range of multiple roles played by cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in several aspects of IVF ultimately associated with the success of an IVF cycle. We begin by stressing the importance of enriching the standing embryo selection criteria available aiming for the golden standard: "extract as much information as possible focusing on non-invasive techniques" so as to guide us towards selecting the embryo with the highest implantation potential.

Human sperm DNA fragmentation and its correlation with conventional semen parameters.

Background: The initial step in the diagnostic investigation of male infertility has been traditionally based on the conventional seminal profile. However, there are significant limitations regarding its ability to determine the underlying mechanisms that cause the disorder. Sperm DNA fragmentation has emerged as a potential causative factor of reproductive failure and its assessment has been suggested as a useful adjunct to the laboratory methodology of male infertility evaluation, especially before the application of assisted reproduction technology (ART).

Eptifibatide-induced acute profound thrombocytopenia: a case report.

Background: The interactions among cells or among cells and components of the extracellular matrix, is a crucial pathophysiological process involving some molecules collectively known as adhesion molecules (CAMs). Glycoprotein IIb / IIIa receptors are only restricted to blood platelets and they bind fibrinogen and adhesion proteins such as fibronectin, vitronectin, von Willebrand factor to form cross bridges between adjacent platelets. IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists are an object of intense research activity for target therapy worldwide during the last decades.

Acute presentation of vasospastic angina induced by oral capecitabine: a case report.

Introduction: Oral capecitabine is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil that has been integrated into the management of multiple cancer types because of the convenience of administration and its efficacy compared with 5-fluorouracil. Capecitabine mimics the pharmacokinetics of intravenous 5-fluorouracil. While cardiac events associated with the use of 5-fluorouracil are a well-known side effect, capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity has only been rarely reported.

Accessory mitral valve without subaortic obstruction of left ventricular outflow tract in a middle-aged male.

Accessory mitral valve (AMV) is a rare congenital abnormality with a usually early-age clinical onset, being potentially a cause of subvalvular obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. This report describes the case of a 60-year-old patient presented with palpitations and chest pain. Primary evaluation revealed a ventricular tachycardia episode while transthoracic echocardiography showed an intracardiac additional structure at the level of the left ventricular outflow tract.

Comparison of nine media in the culture of human ovarian granulosa lutein cells.

Background: Cultures of human ovarian granulosa lutein (hGL) cells are broadly used in experimental studies. The choice of the culture medium is important for the optimization of the conditions for culture of hGL cells.

Aim: To compare the efficiency of a basic salt solution and eight different defined media on the culture of hGL cells.

Synthesis, characterization and biological studies of new antimony(III) halide complexes with ω-thiocaprolactam.

Three new antimony(III) halide complexes (SbX(3), X=Cl, Br and I) with the heterocyclic thione ω-thiocaprolactam (1-azacycloheptane-2-thione, (Hthcl)) of formulae {[SbCl(2)(μ(2)-Cl)(Hthcl)(2)](n)} (1), {[(SbBr(2)(μ(2)-Br)(Hthcl)(2))(2)]} (2) and {[(SbI(2)(μ(2)-I)(Hthcl)(2))(2)]} (3) were synthesized from the reaction of antimony(III) halides with ω-thiocaprolactam in 1:2 stoichiometry. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, (1)H, (13)C NMR spectroscopy and Thermal Gravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA). Crystal structures of the ligand ω-thiocaprolactam and its complexes 1-3 were determined with single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Physiology and pathophysiology of selectins, integrins, and IgSF cell adhesion molecules focusing on inflammation. A paradigm model on infectious endocarditis.

The development of adhesion bonds, either among cells or among cells and components of the extracellular matrix, is a crucial process. These interactions are mediated by some molecules collectively known as adhesion molecules (CAMs). CAMs are ubiquitously expressed proteins playing a central role in controlling cell migration, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis.

Anticancer and cytotoxic effects of a triorganotin compound with 2-mercapto-nicotinic acid in malignant cell lines and tumor bearing Wistar rats.

Nowadays, investigation for possible therapeutic applications of various metal-based drugs attracts the scientific interest worldwide. The triorganotin compound bis[triphenyltin(IV)](3-carboxy-pyridine-2-thionato) (SnMNA), was tested for its anti-proliferative and antitumor activities. Cytotoxic activity was assessed by Trypan blue and 3-(4.

Effect of perioperative immuno-enhanced enteral nutrition on inflammatory response, nutritional status, and outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing major surgery.

Administration of immuno-enhanced nutritional support may decrease postoperative morbidity, mortality, and infectious complications in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to verify that perioperative enteral diet, enriched with the nutrients arginine, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and ω-3 fatty acids improves outcomes of head and neck cancer patients undergoing major surgery. Forty patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were studied.

Comparison of the dysadherin and E-cadherin expression in primary lung cancer and metastatic sites.

Dysadherin, a cancer associated cell membrane glycoprotein, has been reported to downregulate E-cadherin. Aberrant expression of E-cadherin has been associated with the development of metastases in patients with cancer. Even though the expression of dysadherin and E-cadherin has been studied in primary non-small cell lung carcinoma, little is known about its expression at the distant metastases sites.

Soluble adhesion molecules E-cadherin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin as lung cancer biomarkers.

Background: Altered levels of circulating adhesion molecules found in several carcinomas, including lung cancer, reflect local loss of diffusion barriers and tumor volume and can be potentially used as biomarkers. In the present study, we investigated the role of soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble E-selectin (sE-sel) as biomarkers in lung cancer.

Methods: Sixty-two patients with recently diagnosed lung cancer, 42 with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and 20 with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as 29 healthy volunteers were enrolled.

Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with concomitant heterotopic pancreatic cystic neoplasia of the stomach: a case report and review of the literature.

A 60-year-old Caucasian male underwent a total pancreatectomy for a mixed type pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) arising in the main and secondary pancreatic ducts. During surgery, a subserosal polypoid mass was noted at the greater curvature of the gastric antrum and was enucleated. This mass was proven to be heterotopic pancreatic tissue with cystic neoplasia of the IPMN histologic subtype.

Pulmonary miliary tuberculosis complicated with tuberculous spondylitis; an extraordinary rare association: a case report.

In the last decade a significant rise in the prevalence of tuberculosis as well as in its extrapulmonary manifestations is detected worldwide. The central nervous system, the genitourinary tract, the organs of the abdomen and the skeletal system, are common sites of infection. Misdiagnosis and delay in treatment are common events.

Primary localized laryngeal amyloidosis presenting with hoarseness and dysphagia: a case report.

Introduction: Primary localized laryngeal amyloidosis is an extremely rare condition. It usually presents with hoarseness, pain and/or difficulty in breathing.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with primary localized laryngeal amyloidosis who presented with hoarseness and dysphagia.

Parathormone and 1,25(OH)2D3 but not 25(OH)D3 serum levels, in an inverse correlation, reveal an association with advanced stages of colorectal cancer.

Experimental, epidemiologic, and clinical trial data indicate the antineoplastic effects of calcium and vitamin D in large-bowel neoplasia. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and parathormone (PTH) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to extract conclusions comparing their different levels in serum with healthy individuals. Group 1 (cancer patients) was consisted of 140 patients with CRC with clinical stages Duke's A: 12, B: 52, C: 62, and D: 14.