Is BCLC algorithm useful in clinical practice? Study on 164 HCC patients.

Background/aims: The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification has been recently validated as the best system for treatment guidance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the usefulness of BCLC in the treatment of HCC comparing our treatment decision and the BCLC algorithm indications.

Methodology: In 102 patients affected by HCC observed from 1991 to 2002 a retrospective analysis was performed.

Epidemiology and clinical features of cystic hydatidosis in Western Sicily: a ten-year review.

Aim: To assess retrospectively the epidemiological and clinical aspects of cystic echinococcosis (CE) and to evaluate follow-up and response to treatment in patients affected by CE.

Methods: From January 2000 to December 2010, all patients affected by CE at the Infectious Diseases Units of the University of Catania and of Basilotta Hospital in Nicosia-Enna, were enrolled as participants in the study. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were collected for each patient.

Five-year retrospective Italian multicenter study of visceral leishmaniasis treatment.

The treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is poorly standardized in Italy in spite of the existing evidence. All consecutive patients with VL admitted at 15 Italian centers as inpatients or outpatients between January 2004 and December 2008 were retrospectively considered; outcome data at 1 year after treatment were obtained for all but 1 patient. Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, diagnostic procedures, treatment regimens and outcomes, as well as side effects were recorded.

Does transient elastography (FibroScan®) have a role in decision making in hepatocellular carcinoma?

Objectives: Portal hypertension has been reported as a negative prognostic factor and a relative contraindication for liver resection. This study considers a possible role of fibrosis evaluation by transient elastography (FibroScan(®)) and its correlation with portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis, and discusses the use of this technique in planning therapeutic options in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: A total of 77 patients with cirrhosis, 42 (54.

Treatment induced seroconversion to HBsAb following HBV reactivation in the immunosuppressed haematology and oncology patient: a clinical survey of 5 cases in Catania, Italy.

Background: In onco-haematological patients inactive or occult HBV infection may be reactivated as a result of disease-related immuno-suppression and/or chemotherapy with rituximab.

Objectives: This study reports the clinical features of five patients affected by onco-haematological disorders who experienced hepatitis B reactivation.

Study Design: From 2005 to 2010, five onco-haematological patients with hepatitis B reactivation were admitted to the department of Infectious Diseases, Ferrarotto Hospital, Catania, Italy.

A human case of Hymenolepis diminuta in a child from eastern Sicily.

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H.

[Association between raised IL-8 serum levels and resistance to combined peg-interferon plus ribavirin therapy in HCV+ active chronic hepatitis].

IL-8 serum levels were measured in a group of 44 patients affected with Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH) HCV+ at the beginning and end of peg-interferon plus ribavirin combined therapy. IL-8 levels were compared with those measured in a group of healthy controls. The patients were treated for 12 months, and then followed up for 6 months after the end of the therapy.

Quantitative evaluation of interleukin-12 p40 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The heterodimeric cytokine IL-12 (composed of a p35 and a p40 subunit) is produced primarily by monocytes, macrophages and B cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the crucial role of IL-12 in initiating and establishing both innate immunity and T cell-mediated resistance to intracellular pathogens, including Leishmania donovani, Toxoplasma gondii, Listeria monocytogenes, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Assessment of cytokine expression has thus become crucial to understand host responses to infections.

Prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases among Colombian and Dominican female sex workers living in Catania, Eastern Sicily.

Introduction: STDs are a significant cause of illness throughout the world. Female sex workers (FSWs) are commonly perceived as belonging to a social group which may engage in high-risk behaviour for acquiring or transmitting HIV and other STDs. The number of immigrant women engaged in sex work has increased in Catania, Sicily, over the last 10 years.

Prevalence of antibodies to HHV-8 in the general population and in individuals at risk for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Catania, Eastern Sicily.

Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) is the putative infectious agent of multifactorial diseases, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease. However, its exact mode of action as well as its transmission is still under investigation. Besides, little is known about its seroprevalence in the population.

Clinical features of cytomegalic disease in immunocompetent subjects: a 1990-2000 survey.

All cases of Cytomegalvirus-related disease in previously healthy immunocompetent subjects admitted to the University Hospital of Catania between 1990 and 2000 were reviewed. Eighty-one immunocompetent subjects were discharged with a diagnosis of acute cytomegalic disease. Nevertheless, only in 26 cases was the diagnosis confirmed by the determination of the specific immunoglobulin M, viremia or antigenemia.

Slower progression of HIV-1 infection in persons with GB virus C co-infection correlates with an intact T-helper 1 cytokine profile.

Background: Progression to AIDS is slower in persons infected with both HIV-1 and GB virus C (GBV-C), also known as hepatitis G virus.

Objective: To compare clinical, virologic, and immunologic variables in HIV-1-seropositive patients with and without GBV-C co-infection.

Design: Subanalysis of a prospective cohort study.

A placebo-controlled treatment trial of Blastocystis hominis infection with metronidazole.

Blastocystis hominis, previously considered a harmless yeast, is now classified as a protozoan inhabiting the human intestinal tract. The pathogenicity of B. hominis remains controversial and is currently the subject of extensive debate.