Comparing Feto-Maternal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Normal and Abnormal Liver Function Tests: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Pregnant women with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) require proper evaluation and timely management to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Objective: The present study was done with the objective of determining feto-maternal outcomes in antenatal women with abnormal LFTs and comparing them with antenatal women having normal liver function. The prevalence and possible causes of derangements in LFT were also identified.

Baseline serum cystatin C as a marker of acute kidney injury in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Background: A creatinine-based estimation of the renal function lags behind the onset of disease process. Cystatin C is a new marker for acute kidney injury (AKI). However, data are limited in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

Short-term mortality in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and acute kidney injury: A prospective observational study.

Introduction: Renal failure is a common and severe complication of cirrhosis and confers poor prognosis. Serum creatinine is the most practical biomarker of renal function. Serum creatinine estimation in cirrhosis of the liver is affected by decreased formation, increased tubular secretion, increased volume of distribution, and interference by elevated bilirubin.

Quantification of node importance in rain gauge network: influence of temporal resolution and rain gauge density.

Rain gauge network is important for collecting rainfall information effectively and efficiently. Rain gauge networks have been studied for several decades from a range of hydrological perspectives, where rain gauges with unique or non-repeating information are considered as important. However, the problem of quantification of node importance and subsequent identification of the most important nodes in rain gauge networks have not yet been extensively addressed in the literature.

Comparison of concomitant therapy versus standard triple-drug therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective open-label randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Resistance to commonly used antibiotics against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is increasing rapidly leading to lower success of traditional triple therapy to eradicate H. pylori infection.

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pneumothorax: Report of two cases and literature review.

Pneumothorax is a very rare complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Here, we report two cases of pneumothorax following ERCP and sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis. Patient was treated successfully with laprotomy and repair of a rent in the posterolateral wall of the second portion of duodenum.

Optimal cut-off value of fecal calprotectin for the evaluation of ulcerative colitis: An unsolved issue?

Introduction: There is variability in the fecal calprotectin (FCP) cut-off level for the prediction of ulcerative colitis (UC) disease activity and differentiation from irritable bowel disease (IBS-D). The FCP cut-off levels vary from country to country.

Aims: We aimed to assess FCP as a marker of disease activity in patients with UC.

Comparison of continuous versus intermittent infusions of terlipressin for the control of acute variceal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension: An open-label randomized controlled trial.

Background: Continuous infusion of terlipressin causes more stable reduction in portal venous pressure than intermittent infusion. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of continuous infusion vs. intermittent boluses of terlipressin to control acute variceal bleeding (AVB) in patients with portal hypertension.

Effect of replenishment of vitamin D on survival in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis: A prospective study.

Aim: To assess the vitamin D (VD) deficiency as a prognostic factor and effect of replenishment of VD on mortality in decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods: Patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were screened for serum VD levels. A total of 101 VD deficient patients (< 20 ng/mL) were randomly enrolled in two groups: Treatment group ( = 51) and control group ( = 50).

Influence of Alluvial Morphology on Upscaled Hydraulic Conductivity.

The hydraulic conductivity of aquifers is a key parameter controlling the interactions between resource exploitation activities, such as unconventional gas production and natural groundwater systems. Furthermore, this parameter is often poorly constrained by typical data used for regional groundwater modeling and calibration studies performed as part of impact assessments. In this study, a systematic investigation is performed to understand the correspondence between the lithological descriptions of channel-type formation and the bulk effective hydraulic conductivities at a larger scale (Kxeff , Kyeff , and Kzeff in the direction of channel cross section, along the channel and in the vertical directions, respectively).

A Single Center Experience Comparing Miniperc and Shockwave Lithotripsy for Treatment of Radiopaque 1-2 cm Lower Caliceal Renal Calculi in Children: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background And Purpose: A prospective randomized study was performed comparing miniperc and shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treatment of radiopaque 1 to 2 cm lower caliceal renal calculi in children to evaluate safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Patients And Methods: Pediatric patients (<15 years) with a single radiopaque lower caliceal renal stone 1 to 2 cm undergoing treatment between March 2012 and September 2013 in our department were randomized into two groups-group A, miniperc; group B, SWL. The two groups were compared statistically regarding patient demographic profile, 3-month stone-free rate (SFR), re-treatment rates, auxiliary procedures, and complications.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison Between Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for Lower Caliceal Stones ≤2 cm: A Single-Center Experience.

Aims And Objectives: The optimal management method of lower caliceal calculi is still undefined. We performed a prospective randomized comparison to evaluate safety and efficacy of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and flexible ureteroscopy (RIRS) for lower caliceal calculus ≤2 cm.

Materials And Methods: Between December 2011 and January 2012, 195 patients with single radio-opaque lower caliceal calculi ≤2 cm were included in the study.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison Between Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy and Semirigid Ureteroscopy for Upper Ureteral Stones >2 cm: A Single-Center Experience.

Aims And Objectives: The optimal management method of upper ureteral stones >2 cm is still a challenge. We performed a prospective randomized comparison between laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LU) and ureteroscopic lithotripsy for upper ureteral calculus >2 cm to evaluate safety and efficacy of both procedures.

Materials And Methods: Between January 2010 and May 2012, 110 patients with a single radiopaque upper ureteral calculus >2 cm were included in the present study.

A prospective, randomized comparison of shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery and miniperc for treatment of 1 to 2 cm radiolucent lower calyceal renal calculi: a single center experience.

Purpose: A prospective, randomized comparison of shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery and miniperc for the treatment of 1 to 2 cm radiolucent lower calyceal renal calculi was done to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Materials And Methods: Patients with a single 1 to 2 cm radiolucent lower calyceal renal stone who underwent treatment between January 2012 and May 2013 were included in study. They were randomized to shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgery and miniperc groups.

A prospective study on the effect of photoselective vaporization of prostate by 120-W high-performance system laser on sexual function.

Introduction: Photoselective vaporization of prostate (PVP) by 120W HPS laser emerged as an efficient, bloodless, and durable first line alternative to transurethral resection of prostate for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). In this study, we assessed effects of PVP by HPS laser on erectile function.

Material And Methods: Between January 2012 and February 2014, 143 consecutive patients presenting with LUTS secondary to BPE, who underwent PVP by 120W HPS laser, were prospectively enrolled in the study.

Effect of intraurethral dwell time of local anesthetic jelly on pain perception in men undergoing outpatient rigid cystoscopy: a randomized prospective study.

Aim: To determine optimum duration of intraurethral 2% lidocaine jelly for pain relief during outpatient rigid cystoscopy.

Materials And Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted between June 2012 and November 2013. Four hundred consecutive adult males requiring diagnostic rigid cystoscopy were randomized into four groups depending on intraurethral 2% lidocaine jelly dwell time before rigid cystoscopy: jelly was instilled 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes before start of the procedure in group A, B, C, and D patients, respectively.

Equal efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation and propranolol in preventing variceal bleeding in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension.

Background & Aims: Variceal bleeding increases morbidity and mortality among patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). Blockers of β-adrenergic receptor signaling and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) have been used to prevent recurrence of bleeding, based on data from cirrhotic patients. We compared the efficacy and safety of the β-blocker propranolol with that of EVL in preventing the recurrence of variceal bleeding in patients with NCPH.

Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction is similar to compensated cirrhotic patients.

Background: Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension exhibit a hyperdynamic circulation manifesting as increased cardiac output, heart rate and plasma volume; and decreased arterial blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and pulmonary vascular resistance. It is believed that these changes are related to both hepatocellular dysfunction and portal hypertension. However, the role of portal hypertension per se in producing these changes in circulation has not been clear.

Addition of propranolol and isosorbide mononitrate to endoscopic variceal ligation does not reduce variceal rebleeding incidence.

Background & Aims: Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and propranolol are standard secondary prophylaxis therapies for variceal bleeding. Addition of isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) to propranolol improves its hemodynamic efficacy; we investigated whether a combination of EVL and propranolol/ISMN was more effective than EVL alone for secondary prophylaxis.

Methods: Patients with a prior variceal bleed were randomly assigned to groups given a combination (n = 88) of EVL, propranolol (dose titrated to reduce heart rate to 55 beats per minute), and ISMN (40 mg/day) or EVL alone (n = 89).