Deletion of MIF gene from live attenuated LdCen parasites enhances protective CD4 T cell immunity.

Vaccination with live attenuated Leishmania parasites such as centrin deleted Leishmania donovani (LdCen) against visceral leishmaniasis has been reported extensively. The protection induced by LdCen parasites was mediated by both CD4 and CD8 T cells. While the host immune mediators of protection are known, parasite determinants that affect the CD4 and CD8 T cell populations remain unknown.

Colonoscopy sedation: clinical trial comparing propofol and fentanyl with or without midazolam.

Colonoscopy is one of the most common procedures. Sedation and analgesia decrease anxiety and discomfort and minimize risks. Therefore, patients prefer to be sedated when undergoing examination, although the best combination of drugs has not been determined.

[Colonoscopy sedation: clinical trial comparing propofol and fentanyl with or without midazolam].

Colonoscopy is one of the most common procedures. Sedation and analgesia decrease anxiety and discomfort and minimize risks. Therefore, patients prefer to be sedated when undergoing examination, although the best combination of drugs has not been determined.

[Prospective comparative study of ERCP brush cytology and EUS-FNA for the differential diagnosis of biliary strictures].

Objective: To evaluate and to compare the diagnostic yield of ERCP brush cytology (ERCP) and EUS-FNA in patients with biliary strictures and evaluates the agreement between general pathologists (GP) and expert GI pathologists (GIP) in the final diagnosis of biliary strictures.

Methods: Patients with biliary strictures documented by ERCP were included. Brush cytology was performed and during EUS, only visible mass lesions or localized bile duct wall thickening were aspirated.

Covered Wallstents for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction: primary stent placement versus reintervention.

Background: Covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are designed to prevent tumor ingrowth and can be removed if necessary. Only limited comparative data are available on the performance of covered SEMSs after primary placement versus reintervention.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of covered SEMS placement either as primary treatment or reintervention in patients requiring palliation of malignant biliary obstruction.