The aetiology of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is not well established. Previously we found evidence of space-time clustering and seasonal variation in the date of diagnosis, suggesting a possible role for a transient or seasonally varying environmental factor. We examined whether a temporally varying environmental agent may be involved by analysing population-based PBC data from northeast England over 1987-2003. Using an adaptation of a method proposed by Potthoff and Whittinghill, we found significant temporal variation by date of diagnosis at the level of aggregation of one year. However, there was no evidence for general irregular (non-seasonal) temporal clustering within periods less than a year. These results provide little support for the involvement of agents occurring in geographically widespread mini-epidemics, but--taken together with studies of spatial and spatio-temporal clustering--do not preclude the role of more localised sporadic mini-epidemics. Future research should seek to elicit putative environmental agents.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sste.2015.06.001 | DOI Listing |
Dig Dis Sci
January 2025
Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, SoonChunHyang University School of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea.
Background And Aim: Although long self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) with a sufficient intragastric portion is typically preferred for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS), this design can complicate endoscopic re-intervention for recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic re-intervention for RBO through the stent after EUS-HGS using a novel partially covered SEMS with an anchoring flange.
Methods: The partially covered SEMS was designed with a intrahepatic uncovered portion measuring 1.
Liver Transpl
January 2025
Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Background: Machine perfusion (MP), including hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE), dual HOPE, normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), NMP ischemia-free liver transplantation (NMP-ILT), and controlled oxygenated rewarming (COR), is increasingly being investigated to improve liver graft quality from extended criteria donors and donors after circulatory death and expand the donor pool. This network meta-analysis investigates the comparative efficacy and safety of various liver MP strategies versus traditional static cold storage (SCS).
Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing liver transplantation (LT) outcomes between SCS and MP techniques.
Background And Aim: Managing benign biliary stricture endoscopically is complicated and challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 6-month placement of a fully covered self-expanding metallic stent for refractory benign biliary stricture.
Methods: Twenty-two patients with refractory benign biliary stricture (13 with chronic pancreatitis and 9 without) were recruited from five higher tertiary care centers.
J Ultrasound
January 2025
Argentinian Critical Care Ultrasonography Association (ASARUC), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Hepatic gas gangrene (HGG) is a rare but life-threatening condition typically caused by anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, though Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species have also been implicated. Traditionally diagnosed via computed tomography (CT), point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool in critical care settings for its non-invasive, bedside utility. We report the case of a 51-year-old female with choledochal syndrome secondary to cholangiocarcinoma who developed HGG following left extended hepatectomy and biliary reconstruction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Infect Dis
January 2025
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, North 15 West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
Background: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a common pathogen causing non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections, primarily affecting the lungs. Disseminated MAC disease occurs mainly in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hematological malignancies, or those positive for anti-interferon-γ antibodies. However, its occurrence in solid organ transplant recipients is uncommon.
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