Efficacy and safety of APT036 versus simethicone in the treatment of functional bloating: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, clinical study.

Background: Bloating is a common symptom reported by around 16% to 31% of the general population. Functional bloating is diagnosed in patients with recurrent symptoms of bloating who do not meet the diagnostic criteria of irritable bowel syndrome or other functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Methods: This double-blind, multicentre, randomised study compared the safety and efficacy of APT036 (xyloglucan plus tyndallized and ; Aprotecol) and simethicone in treating functional bloating in adults.

A rare case of advanced lung cancer presenting as a symptomatic gastric tumor.

Although gastric metastases have been estimated to occur in less than 2% of cancer patients, an increased use of upper digestive tract endoscopy allows for a higher detection of secondary gastric tumors. We describe the case of a 66-year-old male patient presenting with mild pain in the sternum and upper abdominal area. Physical examination revealed a right parietal skull tumor, with no other significant clinical changes.

Opportunistic colorectal cancer screening using colonoscopy. Comparative results between two historical cohorts in Bucharest, Romania.

Background & Aims: Even though Romania has one of the highest incidence and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) in Europe, there is currently no organized screening program. We aimed to assess the results of our opportunistic CRC screening using colonoscopy.

Methods: A single center retrospective study to include all opportunistic screening colonoscopies performed in two 18 month periods (2007-2008 and 2012-2013) was designed.

Nutritional status in cirrhotic patients.

Background: Malnutrition is prevalent in all forms of liver disease: from 20% in compensated liver disease to more than 80% in those patients with decompensated liver disease. Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) can be identified in all clinical stages but is easier observed in advanced stages of liver disease. The presence of malnutrition is associated with increased number of complications and increased short and long term mortality.

Nuclear Division Index may Predict Neoplastic Colorectal Lesions.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops by accumulation of multiple genetic damages leading to genetic instability that can be evaluated by cytogenetic methods. In the current study we used Cytokinesis-Blocked Micronucleus Assay (CBMN) technique to assess the behavior of Nuclear Division Index(NDI) in peripheral lymphocytes of patients with CRC and polyps versus patients with normal colonoscopy.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from patients after informed consent.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of pancreatic masses.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) represents a highly sensitive method for the detection of pancreatic masses. When available, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the best technique for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer due to its ability to obtain tissue for diagnosis. The standardized indications for pancreatic EUS-FNA comprise the definite diagnosis of malignancy and histopathological confirmation of adenocarcinoma before surgical resection, chemo/radiotherapy, or celiac plexus neurolysis.