Minimal invasive surfactant therapy in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: a single-center experience.

Background: Minimal invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) includes the tracheal instillation of surfactant via a thin catheter for the treatment of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). We aimed to evaluate the impact of MIST compared to intubation, surfactant, extubation (INSURE) technique on respiratory outcomes.

Methods: A prospectively recruited cohort of preterm infants ≤32 weeks with RDS was compared against a historical cohort of infants treated with INSURE.

Economic analysis of open versus laparoscopic versus robotic hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Following the publication of reports from landmark international consensuses (Louisville 2008 and Morioka 2014), minimally invasive hepatectomy became widely accepted as a legitimate alternative to open surgery. We aimed to compare the operative, hospitalization, and total economic costs of open (OLR) vs. laparoscopic (LLR) vs.

Meta-analysis of chemotherapy in head and neck cancer (MACH-NC): An update on 107 randomized trials and 19,805 patients, on behalf of MACH-NC Group.

Background And Purpose: The Meta-Analysis of Chemotherapy in squamous cell Head and Neck Cancer (MACH-NC) demonstrated that concomitant chemotherapy (CT) improved overall survival (OS) in patients without distant metastasis. We report the updated results.

Materials And Methods: Published or unpublished randomized trials including patients with non-metastatic carcinoma randomized between 1965 and 2016 and comparing curative loco-regional treatment (LRT) to LRT + CT or adding another timing of CT to LRT + CT (main question), or comparing induction CT + radiotherapy to radiotherapy + concomitant (or alternating) CT (secondary question) were eligible.

The anti-adhesive effect of anti-VEGF agents in experimental models: A systematic review.

Adhesions constitute a major problem in abdominal-pelvic and thoracic surgery with significant impact in the postoperative quality of life and healthcare services utilization. Adhesiogenesis is the result of increased fibrin formation, impaired fibrinolysis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Despite the recent advancements, the ideal anti-adhesive agent remains to be determined.

Cross-Cancer Genome-Wide Association Study of Endometrial Cancer and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Identifies Genetic Risk Regions Associated with Risk of Both Cancers.

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests a relationship between endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer have identified 16 and 27 risk regions, respectively, four of which overlap between the two cancers. We aimed to identify joint endometrial and ovarian cancer risk loci by performing a meta-analysis of GWAS summary statistics from these two cancers.

Adherence to the National Guidelines for Follow-Up Protocol in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Greece: The GLANCE Study.

Introduction: Physician adherence, or lack therefore, to diabetes care and follow-up guidelines may be linked to the rates of achieving suboptimal glycaemic, blood pressure and lipid targets in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this cross-sectional study we evaluated physician adherence to the patient follow-up protocol (PFP) of the 2017 Hellenic Diabetes Association (HDA) guidelines and also assessed glycated haemoglobin (HbA), blood pressure and lipid control achievement rates in the routine care setting in Greece.

Methods: Eligible subjects were adults with T2DM receiving oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) for ≥ 1 year who had ≥ 2 HbA measurements in the previous year and an HbA target < 7%.

Ophthalmic artery catheterization for retinoblastoma treatment: does reflux affect tumor response?

Background: Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma (Rb) has been established as a primary treatment for the disease. To determine whether the presence of reflux into the ICA is associated with tumor response or with any other adverse events in pediatric retinoblastoma patients.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients diagnosed with Rb and managed with ophthalmic artery catheterization (OAC).

The Effect of PDE5 Inhibitors on the Male Reproductive Tract.

The therapeutic range of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5) inhibitors is getting wider in the last years. This review study focuses on the potential employment of PDE5 inhibitors as an adjunct tool for the therapeutic management of male infertility. The literature tends to suggest a beneficial effect of PDE5 inhibitors on Leydig and Sertoli cells secretory function.

Abnormal fasting, post-load or combined glucose values on oral glucose tolerance test and pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate whether pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) present differences in the outcomes according to the findings on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), including fasting, post-load or combined abnormal blood glucose.

Materials: This was a prospective cohort study including 831 singleton pregnancies with GDM per the IADPSG criteria. According to their fasting blood glucose value on OGTT the women were categorized in three groups: (i) GDM women with fasting plasma glucose levels > 92 mg/dl and normal post-load values (T0 abnormal group), (ii) patients with abnormal values at 60' and/or 120' and normal fasting values (T-post group) and (iii) patients with combined fasting and post-load abnormal blood glucose values (T-comb).

Association of Genomic Domains in and with Prostate Cancer Risk and Aggressiveness.

Pathogenic sequence variants (PSV) in or () are associated with increased risk and severity of prostate cancer. We evaluated whether PSVs in were associated with risk of overall prostate cancer or high grade (Gleason 8+) prostate cancer using an international sample of 65 and 171 male PSV carriers with prostate cancer, and 3,388 and 2,880 male PSV carriers without prostate cancer. PSVs in the 3' region of (c.

Perinatal outcome of appropriate-weight fetuses with decelerating growth.

Introduction: To assess the perinatal outcome of fetuses dropping by ≥50 estimated fetal weight (EFW) centiles between the second and third trimester.

Methods: Singleton pregnancies progressing after 32 + 0 weeks, who had their second- and third-trimester scans at our institutions were enrolled in the study. The perinatal outcome of AGA fetuses crossing more than 50 centiles was compared to that of fetuses with FGR, small for gestational age (SGA) and nondecelerating appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Oncological Patients: Insights from a Five-Year Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis.

Bacterial infections are frequent complications in cancer patients. Among them, those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria increase morbidity and mortality mainly because of limited therapeutic options. Current knowledge regarding MDR infections in patients with solid tumors is limited.

Improving infant outcomes through implementation of a family integrated care bundle including a parent supporting mobile application.

Objective: The aim of the Integrated Family Delivered Care (IFDC) programme was to improve infant health outcomes and parent experience through education and competency-based training.

Design: In collaboration with veteran parents' focus groups, we created an experienced co-designed care bundle including IFDC mobile application, which together with staff training programme comprised the IFDC programme. Infant outcomes were compared with retrospective controls in a prepost intervention analysis.

A Cut-off Value for Gestational Week at Birth for Better Perinatal Outcomes in Early- and Late-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction.

Objective: Prediction of cut-off value for gestational week at birth for better perinatal outcomes in early- and late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Materials And Methods: This study consists of 83 singleton pregnancies with FGR that were diagnosed antenatally and confirmed postnatally between January 2017-April 2018. We used the 34 gestational week as a cut-off for early- and late-onset FGR discrimination.

Multiplexed (18-Plex) Measurement of Signaling Targets and Cytotoxic T Cells in Trastuzumab-Treated Patients using Imaging Mass Cytometry.

Purpose: Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) uses metal-conjugated antibodies to provide multidimensional, objective measurement of protein targets. We used this high-throughput platform to perform an 18-plex assessment of HER2 ICD/ECD, cytotoxic T-cell infiltration and other structural and signaling proteins in a cohort of patients treated with trastuzumab to discover associations with trastuzumab benefit.

Experimental Design: An antibody panel for detection of 18 targets (pan-cytokeratin, HER2 ICD, HER2 ECD, CD8, vimentin, cytokeratin 7, β-catenin, HER3, MET, EGFR, ERK 1-2, MEK 1-2, PTEN, PI3K p110 α, Akt, mTOR, Ki67, and Histone H3) was used with a selection of trastuzumab-treated patients from the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group 10/05 trial ( = 180), and identified a case-control series.

Giant Splenic Aneurysm with Arteriovenous (A-V) Shunt, Portal Hypertension, and Ascites.

BACKGROUND Splenic aneurysms are rare, asymptomatic, and usually derive from previous surgical interventions. Endovascular repair is the best option, but when A-V shunt is present, open repair might be more suitable. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old man presented to the Internal Medicine Department of AHEPA University Hospital with symptoms of fever and ascites.

Metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer patients: towards an expert consensus on nab-paclitaxel treatment in HER2-negative tumours-the MACBETH project.

Introduction: Despite the large use of nab-paclitaxel as a treatment option in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) across different countries, no definitive data are available in particular clinical situations.

Areas Covered: Efficacy, safety and schedule issues concerning available literature on nab-paclitaxel in advanced breast cancer and in specific subgroups of patients have been discussed and voted during an International Expert Meeting. Ten expert specialists in oncology, with extensive clinical experience on Nab-P and publications in the field of MBC have been identified.

Factors associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in older people in Europe: the EUREYE study.

Background/objectives: We aimed to describe serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations in older Europeans and to investigate associations between 25OHD and lifestyle factors, including dietary intake and supplement use.

Subjects/methods: Men and women aged ≥ 65 years were recruited from seven centres across north to south Europe. Serum 25OHD and 25OHD concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in 4495 samples and total 25OHD (25OHD + 25OHD) was adjusted for season of blood collection.

Implementation of Fetal Cardiac Guidelines for the Routine Second-Trimester Heart Examination: A Feasibility Study.

Purpose:  This study aimed to explore the feasibility of implementation of the ISUOG 2013 guidelines on routine second-trimester examination of the fetal heart.

Materials And Methods:  This was a prospective study in 357 women with singleton pregnancy undergoing their routine second-trimester scan. The fetal heart was examined using B-mode in different planes according to the guidelines.

Comorbid presentation of syringomyelia and Guillain-Barre syndrome, attributed to mycoplasma, in a 6-year-old female patient.

Syringomyelia is the development of a fluid-filled cavity or syrinx within the spinal cord that can cause loss of sensation and muscle spasticity. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a postinfection autoimmune disease, classified as an acute polyneuropathy. This report describes the emergency admission of a 6-year-old girl presenting with sudden pallor and pain in both lower limbs.

Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Previously Treated With Docetaxel-Based Chemotherapy: Treatment Patterns From the PROXIMA Prospective Registry.

Purpose: There is a major clinical need to devise an optimal treatment sequence for the multiple therapy options available for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In the absence of prospective clinical trials, sequencing information can be derived from large, real-world registry studies.

Patients And Methods: PROXIMA (Treatment Patterns in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Previously Treated With Docetaxel-Based Chemotherapy) is a large, global, prospective registry study evaluating real-world treatment patterns of patients with mCRPC who experience disease progression during or after docetaxel therapy.

A Transcriptome-Wide Association Study Among 97,898 Women to Identify Candidate Susceptibility Genes for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Risk.

Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified approximately 35 loci associated with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) risk. The majority of GWAS-identified disease susceptibility variants are located in noncoding regions, and causal genes underlying these associations remain largely unknown. Here, we performed a transcriptome-wide association study to search for novel genetic loci and plausible causal genes at known GWAS loci.

Effects of a micronutrient supplementation combined with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor on sperm quantitative and qualitative parameters, percentage of mature spermatozoa and sperm capacity to undergo hyperactivation: A randomised controlled trial.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a micronutrient supplementation (MS) combined with avanafil on sperm function. Oligoasthenospermic men (n = 217) were treated daily for 90 days with either an MS (45 men, Group A), l-carnitine (44 men, Group B), MS plus avanafil (43 men, Group C) or avanafil (43 men, Group D); another group of 42 men with oligoasthenospermia (Group E) received no treatment. Sperm parameters were evaluated before and after the end of treatment in each Group A, B, C and D respectively.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Swallowing with Videofluoroscopy in Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer After Chemoradiation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, severity, and pattern of evolution of swallowing impairments encountered in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients before and after chemoradiation (CRT) with videofluoroscopy of swallowing study (VFSS), using the modified barium swallow impairment profile (MBSImP) protocol and scoring system, and to determine the appropriate time points in which these patients should undergo VFSS post-CRT. A prospective cohort of 69 patients with locally advanced HNC underwent VFSS with the MBSImP protocol at 5 evaluation points: pre-CRT, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-CRT. VFSS was scored with MBSImP, penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), and swallowing performance status (SPS) scale.