Vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer: is there a true association? A prospective observational study.

Introduction: Literature data indicate a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer (TC). We conducted this observational study to test this hypothesis.

Methods: We studied 327 consecutive thyroidectomy cases, and compared patients with TC and those who had benign thyroid disease (BTD).

De-epithelialized Skin Flaps to Minimize Complications in Large Breast Reconstruction: A Tailored Approach.

Mastectomy and immediate reconstruction may be challenging in patients with large breasts, especially when significant ptosis is also present. Skin-reducing mastectomy (SRM) is usually indicated in these cases, although with increased morbidity. The aims of the study were to introduce 2 modifications of the classic technique and to incorporate them in the management algorithm to improve the outcomes.

The value of the intraoperative assessment of the SLN via frozen section in the post Z0011 era.

Introduction: Sentinel node (SN) assessment via frozen section (FS) has declined since the publication of Z0011 which modified the management of a specific group of patients with positive SN. The risk of misleading the surgeons to a preventable ALND and the cost are among the main factors for that. The aim of our study is to assess the value of FS in the post Z0011.

Potential Prediction of Acute Biliary Pancreatitis Outcome on Admission.

Objectives: This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of serum values of osteonectin, adiponectin, transforming growth factor beta 1, and neurotensin being used in clinical practice to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 45 consecutive newly diagnosed acute pancreatitis patients and 30 matched healthy controls. The 2 groups were matched according to age, sex, weight, height, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption.