Rectal Lipoma in an Elderly Male: A Case Report.

Lipomas of the gastrointestinal tract are uncommon, benign non-epithelial tumors detected incidentally during surgery or endoscopy. Rectal lipomas are extremely rare. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with rectal bleeding, constipation, tenesmus and signs of intestinal obstruction.

Developing Patients' Experiences Database After Hospital Discharge: Another Step in Improving Stroke Care.

The aim of this study was to assess stroke patients' experiences in regards to hospital stay and during discharge. A cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was conducted including patients (n=135) with first-ever acute stroke, who were admitted in seven Public Hospitals in Greece ("Stroke Units Necessity for Patients, SUN4P" registry). The translated version of the NHS-Stroke Questionnaire in the Greek was used.

Access of Stroke Patients' to Optimal Healthcare Technology in Greece: Messages to Policy Makers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate accessibility of stroke patients to optimal healthcare technology in Greece. Methods: The study population consisted of 313 first ever stroke patients derived from the "Stroke Units Necessity for Patients, SUN4P" registry. Descriptive statistics were used, to present patients' characteristics and resources utilization Results: The vast majority of patients (91.

ABREAST: a prospective, real-world study on the effect of nab-paclitaxel treatment on clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Purpose: The efficacy of nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. However, real-world evidence on effectiveness remains limited.

Patients And Methods: The primary objective of this multicenter prospective study was to assess the overall response rate (ORR) of patients with MBC treated with nab-paclitaxel.

Tumor Mutational Patterns and Infiltrating Lymphocyte Density in Young and Elderly Patients With Breast Cancer.

Background/aim: Age may pertain to different tumor genotype characteristics which may interfere with treatment efficacy and prognosis. We investigated the distribution and prognostic effect of mutations and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (stromal TIL density) in young (≤35 years) and elderly (>65 years) early breast cancer patients.

Materials And Methods: Paraffin tumor genotypes of all clinical subtypes from 345 patients were examined.

Genetic mapping of pancreatic cancer by targeted next-generation sequencing in a cohort of patients managed with nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy or agents targeting the EGFR axis: a retrospective analysis of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG).

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal malignancies ranking fourth among the leading causes of cancer death with diagnosis at late stages carrying a dismal prognosis. The aim of our retrospective study was to describe the nature and the incidence of gene mutations and genomic instability in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinomas of a Greek patient population fully annotated with clinicopathological data. We used a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel encompassing genes commonly mutated in pancreatic tumours in a patient population managed with either nab-paclitaxel regimens or targeted compounds modulating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/AKT/mTOR axis.

Τhe Co-Existence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Bronchial Asthma: Revelation of a New Asthma Phenotype?

Bronchial asthma (BA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common respiratory obstructive diseases that may coexist. It would be interesting to study the possible influence of that coexistence on both diseases. Until now, reviews focused mainly on epidemiology.

Implementation of HPV-based Cervical Cancer Screening Combined with Self-sampling Using a Midwifery Network Across Rural Greece: The GRECOSELF Study.

Self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is an alternative to physician sampling particularly for cervical cancer screening nonattenders. The GRECOSELF study is a nationwide observational cross-sectional study aiming to suggest a way to implement HPV-DNA testing in conjunction with self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in Greece, utilizing a midwifery network. Women residing in remote areas of Greece were approached by midwives, of a nationwide network, and were provided with a self-collection kit (dry swab) for cervicovaginal sampling and asked to answer a questionnaire about their cervical cancer screening history.

Immunosuppressive regimens based on Cyclophospamide or Calcineurin inhibitors: Comparison of their effect in the long term outcome of Primary Membranous Nephropathy.

Introduction: Management of the Primary Membranous Nephropathy (PMN) usually involves administration of immunosuppressives. Cyclophosphamide (Cyclo) and Calcineurin Inhibitors (CNIs) are both widely used but only limited data exist to compare their efficacy in long term follow-up.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare long term effects of Cyclo and CNIs in patients with PMN.

Angiogenic and Antiangiogenic VEGFA Splice Variants in Colorectal Cancer: Prospective Retrospective Cohort Study in Patients Treated With Irinotecan-Based Chemotherapy and Bevacizumab.

Background: Alternative splicing of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) results in VEGFAxxxb antiangiogenic isoforms that fail to activate angiogenesis. Bevacizumab, widely used in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), binds both VEGFA and VEGFAxxxb isoforms.

Patients And Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumors from metastatic CRC patients treated with first-line FOLFIRI (leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) + bevacizumab (n = 285) or FOLFIRI only (n = 75) were collected.

Prognostic implications of mismatch repair deficiency in patients with nonmetastatic colorectal and endometrial cancer.

Background: The clinical relevance of mismatch repair (MMR) status in patients with nonmetastatic cancer across tumour types remains unclear. Our goal was to investigate the prognostic role of MMR deficiency in patients with stage I-III colorectal and endometrial cancer.

Methods: Patients with nonmetastatic colorectal and endometrial cancer with tumour tissue available for analysis were identified through the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG)'s tumour repository.

Perceptions in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with or Without the Use of Insulin Pump: An Online Study.

Background: Technological developments concerning the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus have been rapid in the latest years. Insulin infusion systems along with continuous glucose monitoring, as well as long-acting insulin analogues, are part of this progress.

Objective: The aim of this study is to present the illness perceptions in type 1 diabetes mellitus, with or without the use of an insulin pump.

Glomerular expression of matrix metalloproteinases in systemic lupus erythematosus in association with activity index and renal function.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and their specific tissue inhibitor TIMP-1 in kidney biopsies of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and to investigate the relationship between MMPs, activity index, and renal function at the time of kidney biopsy.

Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies against MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in 58 kidney-biopsy specimens with LN (according to the 2004 ISN/RPS classification) and eight specimens from normal kidney tissue. We used clinical data of 36 patients at the time of kidney biopsy to evaluate the association between MMPs expression and renal function.

Multiorgan paradoxical embolism in an elderly female with a patent foramen ovale: a case report.

Paradoxical embolism is an uncommon cause of arterial occlusion with a high mortality burden. Current evidence suggests that patent foramen ovale is the most important etiological factor of paradoxical embolism, by acting as a pathway for a thromboembolic material originating from the peripheral veins, passing through the lungs and entering the systemic circulation. Here we present a case of paradoxical embolism in the mesenteric and renal arteries associated with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis in an elderly woman with no predisposing risk factor.

Changes in the incidence and epidemiology of neonatal group B Streptococcal disease over the last two decades in Crete, Greece.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of neonatal disease. However, GBS rates and prevention strategies vary considerably worldwide. Herein, we investigated the burden and epidemiological trends of neonatal GBS infections in our area (Greece) over the last two decades.

Gemcitabine Combined with the mTOR Inhibitor Temsirolimus in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. A Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group Phase I/II Study.

Background: The prognosis of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer is dismal, and there is a need for novel and effective treatments.

Objectives: Tο determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of a novel gemcitabine (G) and temsirolimus (T) combination (phase I) and estimate the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) in patients treated with the T + G combination (phase II).

Patients And Methods: Eligible patients with histologically confirmed inoperable or metastatic pancreatic carcinoma (MPC) were entered into the trial.

Prognostic significance of tumor genotypes and CD8+ infiltrates in stage I-III colorectal cancer.

Background: We explored the clinical significance of tumor genotypes and immunophenotypes in non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: In primary tumors (paraffin blocks) from 412 CRC patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, we examined pathogenic mutations (panel NGS; 347 informative); mismatch repair (MMR) immunophenotype (360 informative); and CD8+ lymphocyte density (high - low; 412 informative). The primary outcome measure was disease-free survival (DFS).

National registry of hemoglobinopathies in Greece: updated demographics, current trends in affected births, and causes of mortality.

National registries constitute an invaluable source of information and contribute to the improvement of hemoglobinopathy management. Herein, we present the second updated report of the National Registry for Haemoglobinopathies in Greece (NRHG) and critically discuss the time trends in demographics, affected births, and causes of mortality. Thirty-eight Greek hemoglobinopathy units reported data from diagnosis to the last follow-up or death by retrospectively completing an electronic form.

A fatal case of cytomegalovirus disease in an immunocompetent young woman: a case report.

Cytomegalovirus can cause severe disease with adverse outcome in immunocompromised patients. Severe cytomegalovirus infection in previously healthy individuals is rare. Here we present an unusual case of cytomegalovirus infection with neurological and pulmonary involvement in a previously healthy young woman with no history of immuno-suppression.

Phase II study of panitumumab combined with capecitabine and oxaliplatin as first-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients: clinical results including extended tumor genotyping.

This clinical trial assessed the efficacy and toxicity of panitumumab combined with oxaliplatin and capecitabine as first-line treatment in KRAS exon 2 wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Patients with exon 2 KRAS wild-type mCRC received panitumumab 9 mg/Kg, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m, and capecitabine 2000 mg/m repeated every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR, minimum 42 responses).

Glioma growth modeling based on the effect of vital nutrients and metabolic products.

Glioma brain tumors exhibit considerably aggressive behavior leading to high mortality rates. Mathematical modeling of tumor growth aims to explore the interactions between glioma cells and tissue microenvironment, which affect tumor evolution. Leveraging this concept, we present a three-dimensional model of glioma spatio-temporal evolution based on existing continuum approaches, yet incorporating novel factors of the phenomenon.

IgA nephropathy in Greece: data from the registry of the Hellenic Society of Nephrology.

Background: Natural history, predisposing factors to an unfavourable outcome and the effect of various therapeutic regimens were evaluated in a cohort of 457 patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and follow-up of at least 12 months.

Methods: Patients with normal renal function and proteinuria <1 g/24 h as well as those with serum creatinine (SCr) >2.5 mg/dL and/or severe glomerulosclerosis received no treatment.