Prevalence and knowledge of hepatitis C in a middle-aged population, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in those most at risk of advanced liver disease and to identify gaps in knowledge of HCV.

Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected residents aged 40-59 to assess the extent of their general knowledge about HCV. The questionnaire assessed demographics, the extent of general knowledge about viral hepatitis, potential risks for infection and the prevalence of risk factors associated with increased progression of liver fibrosis.

Use of pethidine for percutaneous liver biopsy - a randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study.

Background: Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is the "gold standard" in the diagnosis of liver diseases. A pilot trial has shown pethidine may reduce anxiety and the need for post-procedural pain relief. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of pre-procedural pethidine.

The role of aspirin in post-polypectomy bleeding--a retrospective survey.

Background: Bleeding following colonoscopic polypectomy is a common complication and has been reported to occur in up to 6.1% of patients. Several risk factors have been discussed but their overall contribution to post-polypectomy bleeding remains controversial.

Fulminant ulcerative colitis despite maximal immunosuppression following liver transplantation: a case report and literature review.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is thought to be the result of an overly aggressive immune response to ubiquitous antigens. Immuno -modulation and -suppression is therefore currently the treatment of choice. It was long anticipated that the course of pre-existing IBD should improve after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) due to increased immunosuppression.

Unusual manifestation of Erdheim-Chester disease.

Background: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystem non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that is characterized histologically by xanthogranulomatous infiltrates and radiologically by symmetrical sclerosis of long bones. The xanthomatous process is characterized by prominent foamy histiocytes staining positive for CD68, occasionally for PS100 and negative for S100 and CD1a. Gastroenterological involvement is exceedingly rare.

Instrument for high-speed recording of accommodation of the human eye.

We developed an instrument used for recording the dynamics of accommodation of the eye. With this new technique, a recording speed of up to 95 Hz can be achieved. As components used in our system are mechanically fixed, artifacts owing to movable mechanical parts are excluded.

Barrett's esophagus: a retrospective analysis of 13 years surveillance.

Background And Aims: The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased significantly. Barrett's esophagus (BE), a known precursor, has a high prevalence but only few patients with this condition progress to malignancy--surveillance and screening programs are controversial and lack proven efficacy. This retrospective analysis reviews the 13-year outcome for patients entered into a surveillance program.