Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in the Greek general population: prevalence and risk factors.

Background And Aims: Population-based data regarding the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Greece are very poor. This study estimated the prevalence of GERD symptoms and their risk factors in the Greek adult population.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was answered by a randomly selected population of 340 subjects.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the Greek general population, prevalence and risk factors.

Background: To assess the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in the Greek general population and its risk factors.

Methods: Questionnaire based epidemiological, adult participants' survey. The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) was used for the assessment of LPR prevalence.

Glutathione S-transferase null genotypes in transitional cell bladder cancer: a case-control study.

Objectives: This study was conducted (1) to examine whether the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes are risk factors for bladder cancer, and (2) to study a possible association of these genotypes with disease severity.

Methods: This case-control study was undertaken over a 21-month period and included 89 newly diagnosed transitional cell bladder cancer patients and 147 controls; both patients and controls originated from a defined population (residents of the loannina region, Northwestern Greece) and were similar with regard to mean age, male to female ratio and smoking habits. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction on peripheral blood DNA samples.

Genotypes of N-acetyltransferase-2 and risk of bladder cancer: a case-control study.

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine whether certain slow N-acetylation genotypes could be risk factors for bladder cancer, and the possible association between specific genotypes and the severity of the disease at first diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: This case-control study included 89 patients with transitional cell bladder cancer (diagnosed over a period of 21 months) and 147 controls. N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT-2) genotypes were identified by allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on peripheral blood DNA samples.

Effect of preload and afterload on ventricular arrhythmogenesis.

To examine whether it is an increase in preload or afterload that may cause ventricular arrhythmias, the ventricles of 13 anesthetized open-chest dogs were bandaged. Next, metaraminol, an almost pure alpha stimulator, was given, followed by removal of the bandage. The ventricles were then sucked in a plastic cup, which was finally removed.