Carcinosarcoma of the breast: Facing the challenge of a rare nosologic entity.

Carcinosarcoma (CS), also known as metaplastic breast carcinoma with mesenchymal differentiation, is one of the five distinct subtypes of metaplastic breast cancer. It is considered as a mixed, biphasic neoplasm consisting of a carcinomatous component combined with a malignant nonepithelial element of mesenchymal origin without an intermediate transition zone. Although cellular origin of this neoplasm remains controversial, most researchers declare that neoplastic cells derive from a cellular structure with potential biphasic differentiation.

Emerging Trends in the Management of Gastric Malignancy with Peritoneal Dissemination: Same Disease, Heterogeneous Prognosis.

Gastric cancer is a significant global contributor to cancer-related mortality. Stage IV gastric cancer represents a significant percentage of patients in Western countries, with peritoneal dissemination being the most prevalent site. Peritoneal disease comprises two distinct entities, macroscopic (P1) and microscopic (P0CY1), which are associated with poor long-term survival rates.

The impact of robotic surgery on the treatment of benign esophageal and gastric disease: early experience of a specialized unit.

Laparoscopic surgery is a well-established approach in the surgical treatment of reflux, hiatal hernia and esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia. Robotic platforms have only recently been incorporated in surgery for esophageal motility disorders and their exact value remains to be determined. In the present study, we present the preliminary results of our early experience with a case series of benign upper gastrointestinal diseases treated using the robotic system in our department.

Comparative analysis of robotic and laparoscopic techniques in hiatal hernia and crural repair: a review of current evidence and outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the implementation of robotic surgery in hiatal hernia and crural repair, based on the existing literature and to compare this approach to other established techniques.

Methods: We performed a non- systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE on February 25, 2024 for papers published to date focusing on the surgical repair of hiatal hernias using the robotic platform. After eliminating publications based on eligibility criteria, 13 studies were selected for analysis.

Primary Hydatid Cysts in the Extremities: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Primary hydatid cysts (PHCs) in the extremities are uncommon, presenting in the majority of cases with atypical clinical features. Radical surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment. The aim of our study was to accumulate the already published data on PHCs in the extremities in terms of demographic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects.

Massive Gastric Juvenile Polyposis Associated With Intermittent Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Case Report.

Juvenile polyposis syndrome is a condition distinguished by numerous hyperproliferative polyps that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, though they are uncommon in the stomach. We report a rare case of a 70-year-old woman with a three-year history of epigastric pain and severe bloating who was referred to our department for gastric outlet obstruction due to massive gastric juvenile polyps also causing gastroparesis. The patient was successfully treated with a total gastrectomy.

The Prognostic Role of GLIM Criteria in Postoperative Outcomes after Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Oncologic patients often suffer from malnutrition, which might negatively affect treatment outcomes. Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM)-based malnutrition is associated with short- and long-term outcomes in cancer patients. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to determine the impact of GLIM-defined malnutrition on postoperative complications and survival in esophageal and gastric cancer patients.

Blood Sugar, Haemoglobin and Malondialdehyde Levels in Diabetic White Rats Fed a Diet of Corn Flour Cookies.

The purpose of the study was to analyse the chemical composition of corn cookies containing different types of sugar and fat, and determine their effect on physiological parameters in diabetic rats. The experimental animals were studied using a randomised block design with seven groups of rats. The test groups were as follows: group 1, negative control rats (normal) fed standard; group 2, positive control rats (diabetic) fed standard; group 3, diabetic rats fed wheat cookies; group 4, diabetic rats fed C1 corn cookies; group 5, diabetic rats fed C2 corn cookies; group 6, diabetic rats fed C3 corn cookies; and group 7, diabetic rats fed C4 corn cookies.

Changes of volatile sulphur compounds during therapy of a case series of patients with chronic periodontitis and halitosis.

Aim: To assess the effect of different stages of intervention on volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) of periodontitis patients with halitosis, before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Material & Methods: This clinical trial included 18 adults with chronic periodontitis and halitosis. After initial examination, patients received oral hygiene (OH) instructions and tongue cleaner.

Fungal isolation from disinfectant solutions of contact lens storage cases among asymptomatic users.

Objectives: To investigate the incidence of fungal contamination of store disinfectant solutions contained in contact lens storage cases belonging to asymptomatic contact lens users.

Methods: Asymptomatic contact lens users were asked to bring their storage cases, lenses included, without having opened the lid of the cup after placing lenses inside. The following information was recorded: age, sex, type of refractive error, contact lens material, schedule of wear, and brand of disinfectant solution.

Cavernous hemangioma of the optic disk.

Purpose: To report a case of an unusually large cavernous hemangioma of the optic disk.

Method: Case report with funduscopic, fluorescein angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging correlations. A 20-year-old woman with no ocular or systemic history was diagnosed with cavernous hemangioma of the optic disk in a routine eye examination.

Ocular surface bacterial colonisation in sedated intensive care unit patients.

We investigated the time-dependent ocular surface bacterial colonisation of sedated patients hospitalised in an intensive care unit and aimed to evaluate whether proper topical antibiotic prophylaxis could prohibit corneal infection. The study lasted 12 months and included 134 patients undergoing sedation and mechanical respiratory support for various medical reasons. Patients hospitalised for less than seven days and those with pre-existing ocular surface pathology were excluded.

Opacification of hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens attributable to calcification: investigation on mechanism.

Purpose: To identify the nature and to investigate the biochemical mechanisms leading to late opacification of implanted hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Design: Retrospective laboratory investigation.

Methods: setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Patras and FORTH-ICEHT, Greece.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome prevalence in Greek patients with cataract and its association to glaucoma and coronary artery disease.

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of glaucoma and coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with cataract and pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 2140 consecutive patients with cataract admitted at the University Hospital of Patras, Greece, for cataract surgery. Only patients with senile cataract were included in this study.

The effect of nasal steroid administration on intraocular pressure.

The effect of systemic steroid administration on intraocular pressure (IOP) is well established. However less attention has been paid to the effect of steroids when administered in a nasal spray. We conducted a study to investigate a possible association between nasal steroids and elevated IOP in 54 patients who were being treated for allergic rhinitis.

Ocular trauma in a Greek population: review of 899 cases resulting in hospitalization.

Purpose: To determine the annual hospitalization rate and risk factors of eye injuries requiring hospitalization in an area of Greece.

Methods: Retrospective case analysis of 899 consecutive patients with ocular injury admitted at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital at Patras Medical School, Greece, over a 9-year period.

Results: The average annual rate of hospitalized ocular injuries was 71.

Changes in HNK-1 epitope and collagen type IX in the aqueous humour of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Purpose: To investigate alterations in the proteoglycan (PG) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of the aqueous humour in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX).

Materials And Methods: Aqueous humor samples were obtained during cataract surgery from nineteen patients bearing PEX features and twenty-three age-matched normal controls. Protein and IgG were quantified densitometrically after their electrophoretic separation.

Ulcerative keratitis in contact lens wearers.

Purpose: To determine the clinical microbiological characteristics of corneal ulcers in contact lens wearers.

Methods: A retrospective study of 23 patients admitted to our department with contact lens-related corneal ulcers during a 43-month period. Detailed demographic data, the type of contact lens, duration of lens wear, and wearing schedule were derived from a self-administered questionnaire.

Alterations in conjunctival cytology and tear film dysfunction in patients with beta-thalassemia.

Purpose: Patients with beta-thalassemia (beta-tha) represent a group with lifelong transfusion-dependent anemias. This study aimed to describe the conjunctival changes and tear film parameters in these patients.

Methods: A total of 52 patients (104 eyes) with beta-tha major and 22 normal control subjects (44 eyes) were studied during 1999 through 2000.

Severe ocular injuries in Greek children.

Objective: To determine the epidemiological characteristics of severe eye injuries in childhood, in a mixed urban and rural Greek setting.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 95 cases (103 eyes) of eye injuries in children younger than 17 years of age admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Patras, Greece, during a five-year period. The data were analyzed with respect to age, sex, type, cause and mode of injury, method of management, duration of hospitalization and final visual deficit.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in exfoliation syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the aqueous humour of patients with exfoliation syndrome (XFS). XFS and control samples were analysed for their MMP content by zymography and for their tissue inhibitors by ELISA. In XFS eyes, an increase for up to 60% in almost all MMPs was observed, as compared to the controls.

Effects of oral acitretin on contrast sensitivity and tear film function: a prospective study.

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the ocular side effects of short-term therapy with oral acitretin (1 mg/kg/day) in 24 patients with severe and recalcitrant dermatoses. Apart from the routine ophthalmological examination, the following tests were performed: break-up time of tear film for the determination of its stability, Schirmer test for the assessment of lacrimal gland function, rose bengal staining for the detection of possible ocular surface damage and contrast sensitivity test for the evaluation of visual function. No statistically significant differences could be found between the pretreatment values of the assessed parameters and those obtained after 1 and 2 months of therapy.

Increased aqueous humor basic fibroblast growth factor and hyaluronan levels in relation to the exfoliation syndrome and exfoliative glaucoma.

Purpose: To quantify the concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and hyaluronan (HA) in the aqueous humor of patients with the exfoliation syndrome (XFS) or exfoliative glaucoma (XFG).

Methods: Aqueous humor bFGF and HA levels were measured in 13 patients with XFS and in 7 patients with XFG. The results were compared with those obtained from 17 healthy controls.