Specific detection of OCT4 isoforms in inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Developmentally early cells are mobilized into peripheral blood in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. OCT4, is considered to be important in sustaining the pluripotency of stem cells. OCT4 splicing variants are differentially expressed in pluripotent and non-pluripotent cells.

Diabetes mellitus and gynecologic cancer: molecular mechanisms, epidemiological, clinical and prognostic perspectives.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of which has increased dramatically worldwide, may put patients at a higher risk of cancer. The aim of our study is the clarification of the possible mechanisms linking diabetes mellitus and gynecological cancer and their epidemiological relationship.

Materials And Methods: This is a narrative review of the current literature, following a search on MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, from their inception until January 2012.

A proposal for a CT driven classification of left colon acute diverticulitis.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the most appropriate diagnostic tool to confirm suspected left colonic diverticulitis. However, the utility of CT imaging goes beyond accurate diagnosis of diverticulitis; the grade of severity on CT imaging may drive treatment planning of patients presenting with acute diverticulitis. The appropriate management of left colon acute diverticulitis remains still debated because of the vast spectrum of clinical presentations and different approaches to treatment proposed.

Increased Maternal Serum Interleukin-6 Concentrations at 11 to 14 Weeks of Gestation in Low Risk Pregnancies Complicated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Development of a Prediction Model.

The aim of the study was to examine interleukin-6 (IL-6) maternal serum concentration at 11 to 14 gestational weeks in normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to create first trimester prediction models for GDM. Case-control study conducted in a Fetal Medicine Unit. Study population included 40 GDM cases and 94 controls.

The role of an out-patient renal clinic in renal disease management.

The out-patient renal clinic (ORC) represents an important part of the nephrology service in general hospitals. The majority of renal diseases are chronic and patients need a systematic follow-up according to the severity and progression of kidney failure. The most important clinical manifestation is chronic renal failure (CRF) or chronic renal disease (CKD) The management of CKD, apart from medical and nursing services, also involves a number of community structures and financial resources.

Menopause.

Menopause is an inevitable component of ageing and encompasses the loss of ovarian reproductive function, either occurring spontaneously or secondary to other conditions. It is not yet possible to accurately predict the onset of menopause, especially early menopause, to give women improved control of their fertility. The decline in ovarian oestrogen production at menopause can cause physical symptoms that may be debilitating, including hot flushes and night sweats, urogenital atrophy, sexual dysfunction, mood changes, bone loss, and metabolic changes that predispose to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Serum protein profiling of adults and children with Crohn disease.

Objectives: Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), are chronic immunoinflammatory pathologies of unknown aetiology. Despite the frequent use of biomarkers in medical practice, there is a relative lack of information regarding validated paediatric biomarkers for IBD. Furthermore, biomarkers proved to be efficacious in adults are frequently extrapolated to the paediatric clinical setting without considering that the pathogenesis of many diseases is distinctly different in children.

Elevated placental growth factor concentrations at 11-14 weeks of gestation to predict gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To examine maternal serum concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF) at 11-14 gestational weeks in pregnancies that developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to create first trimester prediction models for GDM.

Methods: Case control study including 40 GDM cases and 94 controls. PlGF, biophysical and biochemical markers and maternal-pregnancy characteristics were analyzed.

Intermittent epidural vs continuous wound infusion of ropivacaine for acute and chronic pain control after hysterectomy or myomectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Adequate postoperative analgesia may enhance recovery. The efficacy of continuous wound infusion vs intermittent epidural ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia was investigated.

Design: Prospective randomized, observer blind trial.

Probing the impact of sex steroids and menopause-related sex steroid deprivation on modulation of immune senescence.

Immune senescence denotes the general decline in immune system function, characterized by a reduced immune response and an increased inflammatory state. Menopause is a natural change in a women's life, the menopause-related low estrogen levels affecting many body functions, among them the immune system. Numerous human studies with menopausal women and animal models with surgically induced menopause show a clear impact of sex steroids in immune responses.

A narrative review of peri-operative management of patients with thalassaemia.

In thalassaemic patients, multiple organ systems may be affected by the disease, blood transfusion, iron overload and chelating therapy. Patients may develop cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension or heart failure requiring pre-operative echocardiography or cardiac catheterisation. Restrictive lung dysfunction is commonly encountered, especially in patients with splenomegaly.

Inflammation on the cervical papanicolaou smear: evidence for infection in asymptomatic women?

Background: The significance of the possible presence of infection on the Pap smear of asymptomatic women based on cytological criteria is practically unknown.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1117 asymptomatic nonpregnant women had Pap smear tests and vaginal as well as cervical cultures completed (622 with and 495 without inflammation on the Pap smear).

Results: Out of the 622 women with inflammation on Pap test, 251 (40.

Endoscopic treatments for chronic radiation proctitis.

Chronic radiation proctitis is a complication that occurs in patients who receive radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies. The common presentation is with rectal bleeding, but also rectal pain, diarrhea, tenesmus and even passage of mucus can occur. The optimal treatment of bleeding due to radiation proctitis remains unclear.

Symptomatic Shigella sonnei urinary tract infection in pregnancy.

Purpose Of Investigation: This report describes a case of urinary tract infection (UTI) due to Shigella sonnei during pregnancy.

Methods: A 31-year-old pregnant woman was admitted complaining of left-flank tenderness, dysuria, and fever.

Results: Following examination, significant laboratory data were collected including increased leukocyte count (10,800/ul with 86% neutrophils) and C-reactive protein (9.

EMAS clinical guide: vulvar lichen sclerosus in peri and postmenopausal women.

Introduction: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease which affects genital labial, perineal and perianal areas, producing significant discomfort and psychological distress. However there may be diagnostic delay because of late presentation and lack of recognition of symptoms.

Aims: The purpose of this clinical guide is to provide advice on early recognition and treatment.

Vascular access today.

The number of patients with chronic kidney disease requiring renal replacement therapy has increased worldwide. The most common replacement therapy is hemodialysis (HD). Vascular access (VA) has a key role for successful treatment.

GSTM1 polymorphism, GSTT1 polymorphism, and cervical cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: A debate exists about whether glutathione S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms (GST mu-1 [GSTM1] null/present genotype and GST theta-1 [GSTT1] null/present genotype) confer additional risk for cervical cancer. This meta-analysis was aimed to examine the associations between the aforementioned polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk.

Methods: Thirteen studies were eligible for GSTM1 (1616 cervical cancer cases and 1970 controls), and 12 studies were eligible for GSTT1 (1393 cases and 1766 controls).

Follicular development, acquisition of mature oocytes, and pregnancy after 2 weeks of leuprolide acetate administration during the midluteal phase.

Objective: To present a case of aberrant follicular development, acquisition of mature oocytes, and pregnancy after 2 weeks of leuprolide acetate administration during the midluteal phase.

Design: Case report.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieio University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Intrafollicular levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 in patients with polycystic ovaries are not associated with pregnancy rate during IVF cycle.

This study aimed to detect the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, in the follicular fluid of 35 patients with polycystic ovaries, compare them with the levels found in 35 normally ovulating women enrolled in their first in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and then correlate them with pregnancy rates in these two groups. Levels of MMP-9 were found significantly increased in women with polycystic ovaries when compared with the controls, while MMP-2 levels were higher in women with polycystic ovaries without reaching statistical significance. The two groups did not differ in age, in the number of embryos transferred or in pregnancy rates.

Selective hepatic arterial infusion of In-111-DTPA-Phe1-octreotide in neuroendocrine liver metastases.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of (111)In-DTPA-Phe(1)-octreotide infusions after selective catheterization of the hepatic artery in inoperable metastasised liver, sst(2) receptor-positive neuroendocrine tumours due to the effect of (111)In Auger electron emission, minimising in parallel the toxicity of non-target tissue.

Methods: The average dose per session administered monthly to each patient (17 cases in total) was 6.3+/-2.

Gastrointestinal emergencies in cardiac surgery. A retrospective analysis of 3,724 consecutive patients from a single center.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze risk factors, diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal (GI) complications following cardiac operations.

Methods: Patients who developed GI complications after a cardiac operation were studied. Anesthesia protocols, techniques of cardiac surgery, potential risk factors, complications and medical and surgical interventions were reviewed and analyzed.

Cytokine concentrations during the first days of life.

Objective: To evaluate the cytokine concentration patterns during the first 5 days of life by measuring serum concentrations of type-1 cytokines, like interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and type-2 cytokines, like IL-4, as well as the receptors of IL-2 (sIL-2R) and IL-4 (sIL-4R) during the early neonatal period.

Subjects And Methods: Forty-two healthy term neonates were included in the study. Cytokine concentrations were measured in umbilical cord, in the 1st and 5th day after birth and compared with those in serum of 30 healthy adults.