Feasibility and Safety of Through-the-scope versus Over-the-wire Stents for the Palliation of Malignant Dysphagia. A Cohort Real- Life Study.

Background And Aims: In the presence of malignant dysphagia in non-surgical candidates, a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) represents a safe and effective approach. Recently, a through-the-scope (TTS) SEMS was launched. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility and safety of the TTS versus over-the-wire (OTW) SEMS in patients with malignant dysphagia.

Low applicability of the ''Six-and-twelve score" in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with Drug-Eluting Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization.

Objective: The effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on the selection of suitable patients. The ''Six-and-twelve score" distinguishes three groups of ideal patients with different overall survival, based on the sum of the number and size of tumors. This may impact on clinical practice and trial design.

The development of early ascites is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with drug-eluting embolic chemoembolization.

Background: A single-centre cohort study was performed to identify the independent factors associated with the overall survival (OS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE).

Methods: A total of 216 HCC patients who underwent DEB-TACE from October 2008 to October 2015 at a tertiary hospital were consecutively recruited. The analysis of prognostic factors associated with overall survival after DEB-TACE, stressing the role of post-TACE events, was performed.

Using String Metrics to Improve the Design of Virtual Conversational Characters: Behavior Simulator Development Study.

Background: An emergency waiting room is a place where conflicts often arise. Nervous relatives in a hostile, unknown environment force security and medical staff to be ready to deal with some awkward situations. Additionally, it has been said that the medical interview is the first diagnostic and therapeutic tool, involving both intellectual and emotional skills on the part of the doctor.

The ART-SCORE is not an effective tool for optimizing patient selection for DEB-TACE retreatment. A multicentre Spanish study.

Introduction: The appropriate selection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who are eligible for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains a challenge. The ART score has recently been proposed as a method of identifying patients who are eligible or not for a second TACE procedure.

Objective: To assess the validity of the Assessment for Retreatment with TACE (ART) score in a cohort of patients treated with drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE).

Readmissions due to acute biliary edematous pancreatitis in patients without cholecystectomy.

Aims: Analyzing the readmission of patients with acute biliary edematous pancreatitis (ABEP) without cholecystectomy despite a previous episode of mild acute gallstone pancreatitis or lithiasic cholecystitis. Calculating the health costs associated with the non-performance of cholecystectomy.

Material And Methods: Prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital from July to November 2014.

[Irritable Bowel Syndrome; gut microbiota and probiotic therapy].

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This common disorder is managed by varying clinical styles as no dominant therapeutic strategy has emerged. The pathophysiology of IBS remains unknown, but several lines of evidence link this disorder with the gut microbiota.