Concepts of Cardiac Dyssynchrony and Dynamic Approach

Cardiac conduction involves electrical activity from one myocyte to another, creating coordinated contractions in each. Disruptions in the conducting system, such as left bundle branch block (LBBB), can result in premature activation of specific regions of the heart, leading to heart failure and increased morbidity and mortality. Structural alterations in T-tubules and the sarcoplasmic reticulum can lead to dyssynchrony, a condition that can be treated by cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which stands as a cornerstone in this pathology. The heterogeneity in patient responses underscored the necessity of improving the diagnostic approach. Vectocardiography, ultra-high-frequency ECG, 3D echocardiography, and electrocardiographic imaging seem to offer advanced precision in identifying optimal candidates for CRT in addition to the classic diagnostic methods. The advent of His bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing further refined the approach in the treatment of dyssynchrony, offering more physiological pacing modalities that promise enhanced outcomes by maintaining or restoring the natural sequence of ventricular activation. HOT-CRT emerges as a pivotal innovation combining the benefits of CRT with the precision of His bundle or left bundle branch area pacing to optimize cardiac function in a subset of patients where traditional CRT might fall short.

A fractional perspective on the transmission dynamics of a parasitic infection, considering the impact of both strong and weak immunity

Infectious disease cryptosporidiosis is caused by the cryptosporidium parasite, a type of parasitic organism. It is spread through the ingestion of contaminated water, food, or fecal matter from infected animals or humans. The control becomes difficult because the parasite may remain in the environment for a long period. In this work, we constructed an epidemic model for the infection of cryptosporidiosis in a fractional framework with strong and weak immunity concepts. In our analysis, we utilize the well-known next-generation matrix technique to evaluate the reproduction number of the recommended model, indicated by [Formula: see text]. As [Formula: see text], our results show that the disease-free steady-state is locally asymptotically stable; in other cases, it becomes unstable. Our emphasis is on the dynamical behavior and the qualitative analysis of cryptosporidiosis. Moreover, the fixed point theorem of Schaefer and Banach has been utilized to investigate the existence and uniqueness of the solution. We identify suitable conditions for the Ulam-Hyers stability of the proposed model of the parasitic infection. The impact of the determinants on the sickness caused by cryptosporidiosis is highlighted by the examination of the solution pathways using a novel numerical technique. Numerical investigation is conducted on the solution pathways of the system while varying various input factors. Policymakers and health officials are informed of the crucial factors pertaining to the infection system to aid in its control.

Uncommon Presentation of Gastric Duplication Cyst with Left-Sided Portal Hypertension: A Case Report and Literature Review

Gastric duplication cysts (GDCs) in adults are exceedingly rare, with only a few documented cases in medical literature. The spectrum of clinical presentations varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic to severe symptoms such as hematemesis, vomiting or abdominal pain. Among the less common complications associated with GDCs, segmental portal hypertension is a notable rarity. We present a compelling case report of a patient exhibiting signs of segmental portal hypertension, where ultrasound and echo-endoscopy revealed a sizable gastric duplication cyst as the underlying etiology. Recognizing the scarcity of literature on GDCs in adult patients, we conducted a thorough review to underscore the diagnostic significance of ultrasonography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in accurately identifying these congenital anomalies. This case report and comprehensive literature review emphasize the pivotal role of EUS and abdominal ultrasound in achieving an accurate diagnosis of GDCs. By shedding light on the diagnostic and therapeutic intricacies, we aim to raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare pathology and the importance of multimodal imaging approaches for optimal patient management.

Laparoscopic Management of Multiple Liver, Omental, Mesenteric, Peritoneal, and Round Ligament Hydatid Cysts-A Rare Report of a Case and a Systematic Literature Review

Hydatid cyst disease is a parasitic ailment with an endemic nature, predominantly affecting geographical areas with a tradition in animal husbandry. The most common localization of hydatid disease is in the liver (60%), followed by the lungs, with other organ localizations comprising less than 10%. The surgical approach to this condition can be carried out through open surgery or laparoscopy. The coexistence of hepatic and intraperitoneal hydatidosis often leads to the preference for open surgery. We performed a literature review aiming to retrieve data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features, preoperative management, and surgical approach concerning these unusual localizations of hydatid disease. It was observed that the mesenteric localization frequently presented with acute abdominal pain (p = 0.038) and that the open approach was preferred in 85.71% of cases. Furthermore, an interdependence was identified between the localization of the cysts and the type of surgical approach (p = 0.001), with mesenteric localizations being approached through laparotomy and excision (p = 0.037), while omental localizations, due to the easier approach, benefited from laparoscopy with excision in 14.29% of cases. Overall, the laparoscopic approach was less frequently used, but its utilization resulted in a lower number of complications and faster recovery. Additionally, we present a rare case of hepatic and intra-abdominal hydatidosis, resolved exclusively through a laparoscopic approach, including a review of the literature for these uncommon localizations of hydatid disease. A 45-year-old patient diagnosed with multiple hydatid cysts, both hepatic and intraperitoneal, underwent surgical intervention with exploratory laparoscopy. Laparoscopic excision of peritoneal, epiploic, mesenteric cysts, and round ligament, along with laparoscopic inactivation, evacuation, and pericystectomy of hepatic hydatid cysts, was performed. The patient's recovery was uneventful, and she was reevaluated at 3 and 9 months without signs of recurrence. The association of hepatic hydatid cysts with multiple intra-abdominal localizations is not commonly encountered. The treatment of choice is surgical and is predominantly conducted through open surgery. The presented case is unique due to the exclusive laparoscopic approach in the management of mixed hepatic and intra-abdominal hydatidosis.

When Critical View of Safety Fails: A Practical Perspective on Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The incidence of common bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains three times higher than that following open surgery despite numerous attempts to decrease intraoperative incidents by employing better training, superior surgical instruments, imaging techniques, or strategic concepts. This paper is a narrative review which discusses from a contextual point of view the need to standardise the surgical approach in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies, the main strategic operative concepts and techniques, complementary visualisation aids for the delineation of anatomical landmarks, and the importance of cognitive maps and algorithms in performing safer LC. Extensive research was carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier databases using the terms "difficult cholecystectomy", "bile duct injuries", "safe cholecystectomy", and "laparoscopy in acute cholecystitis". The key content and findings of this research suggest there is high intersocietal variation in approaching and performing LC, in the use of visualisation aids, and in the application of safety concepts. Limited papers offer guidelines based on robust data and a timid recognition of the human factors and ergonomic concepts in improving the outcomes associated with difficult cholecystectomies. This paper highlights the most relevant recommendations for dealing with difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Therapeutic Perspectives for Microbiota Transplantation in Digestive Diseases and Neoplasia-A Literature Review

In a mutually beneficial connection with its host, the gut microbiota affects the host's nutrition, immunity, and metabolism. An increasing number of studies have shown links between certain types of disease and gut dysbiosis or specific microorganisms. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is strongly advised for the treatment of recurrent or resistant Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) due to its outstanding clinical effectiveness against CDI. The therapeutic potential of FMT for other disorders, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases and malignancies, is currently gaining more and more attention. We summarized the most recent preclinical and clinical evidence to show the promise of FMT in the management of cancer as well as complications related to cancer treatment after reviewing the most recent research on the gut microbiota and its relationship to cancer.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Diabetic Retinopathy-Current Knowledge and Future Therapeutic Targets

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of blindness today, despite important achievements in diagnosis and therapy. The involvement of a gut-retina axis is thought to be a possible risk factor for several chronic eye disease, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, and, recently, diabetic retinopathy. Dysbiosis may cause endothelial disfunction and alter retinal metabolism. This review analyzes the evidence regarding changes in gut microbiota in patients with DR compared with diabetics and healthy controls (HCs). A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for the following terms: "gut microbiota" OR "gut microbiome" AND "diabetic retinopathy". Ultimately, 9 articles published between 2020 and 2022 presenting comparative data on a total of 228 T2DM patients with DR, 220 patients with T2DM, and 118 HCs were analyzed. All of the studies found a distinctive microbial beta diversity in DR vs. T2DM and HC, characterized by an altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a decrease in butyrate producers, and an increase in LPS-expressing and pro-inflammatory species in the Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla. The probiotic species Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were decreased when compared with T2DM. Gut microbiota influence retinal health in multiple ways and may represent a future therapeutic target in DR.

Cognitive and Behavioral Factors Predicting the Decision to Vaccinate against COVID-19 in Clinical Psychiatric Population-A Cross-Sectional Survey

The spread of the COVID-19 virus created more than a medical crisis, while it also negatively affected the mental health of the general population. This context increased the vulnerability of the psychiatric population. While research interest highly targeted vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, many studies focused on trust issues-both in vaccine efficacy and in communication with authorities. Less is known about the psychological underpinnings of the COVID vaccination decision, specifically in the high-uncertainty circumstances due to the novelty of the virus. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the predictive value of several cognitive (perceived risk, vulnerability, uncertainty, and trust in one's decision) and behavioral (previous vaccinations, social media use, and practicing preventive behavior) factors, for the vaccination decision against COVID-19, for 252 psychiatric inpatients (data collected between September 2021 and February 2022). Demographics and diagnostics were also considered. We found a significant relationship between the "Perceived risk of vaccination" and the choice of vaccination (χ²(2, N = 252) = 58.59, p ≤ 0.001), and between the "Trust in own decision to vaccinate" and the decision to vaccinate (χ²(2, N = 252) = 31,5, p ≤ 0.001). The overall regression model was statistically significant (χ² (9, N = 252) = 97.1, p < 0.001), with between 30% and 45% of the variance in the odds of a positive decision explained by the predictor set. The model coefficients analysis showed that an individual with a psychiatric disorder but with higher confidence in their decision had significant (p < 0.001) increased odds of the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 by 893%. A former voluntary vaccination did not significantly associate with the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 (χ²(1, N = 252) = 2.74, p > 0.05) in this special population. No other behavioral factors, diagnosis, or demographics were significant as predictors, for the clinical psychiatric population surveyed, except the educational level. Implications for future vaccination acceptance of this special population are discussed.

Risk assessment of amputation in patients with diabetic foot

The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically over the past decade, especially in developing countries, reaching pandemic proportions. Although has been the most important factor influencing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on the increase among younger adults. The subsequent rate of increase with age is variable, which is more evident in societies where the general prevalence of the disease is higher. Based on clinical and statistical data obtained from the patients who were admitted to The First and Second Surgery Wards in the Sibiu County Emergency University Clinical Hospital (Sibiu, Romania) and the Proctoven Clinic (Sibiu, Romania) between January 2018 and December 2020, the present study attempted to devise a risk score that can be applied for the benefit of patients. The ultimate aim was that this risk score may be eventually applied by diabetologists and surgeons to assess the risk of amputation in patients with diabetic foot lesions. An important part in the therapeutic management of diabetic foot injuries is the assessment of risk factors. Using this risk score system devised, the risk factors that were found to exert influence in aggravating diabetic foot injuries are smoking, obesity, dyslipidaemia, unbalanced diabetes mellitus (glycated haemoglobin ≥7.5%), duration of diabetes >5 years, hepatic steatosis and the co-existence of various heart diseases. To conclude, all these risk factors aforementioned can decrease the effectiveness of treatment and can have a significant impact on the quality of life, if they are not well known.

Optimal Timing and Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Approach in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis

Background

We analyzed the outcomes of early biliary decompression by a minimally invasive approach in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP).

Material/Method

A retrospective study was conducted on 143 patients with ABP who underwent biliary decompression by laparoscopic or endoscopic approach between January 2015 and March 2022. Data from the observation sheets and surgical protocols were analyzed in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical and paraclinical features at admission, comorbidities, therapeutic management, and outcomes.

Results

The mean patient age was 62.3±11.4 years. Mild ABP had a higher frequency in men (75.5%) and urban areas (70.4%). The comorbidities associated with a higher risk of severe forms were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]: 11.250), chronic bronchopneumopathy (OR: 29.297), and ischemic coronary disease (OR: 2.784). The mean hospital stay was 7.6±3.8 days and was significantly higher in severe forms (10±2.4 days, P<0.001). The time from onset to presentation was significantly higher in severe vs mild forms (5.6 vs 1.8 days, P<0.001) and was associated with systemic and local complications. Creatinine over 2 mg/dL (OR: 4.821) and leukocytes >15 000/mmc at admission (OR: 3.533) were risk factors for systemic complications, while obesity was associated with increased local complications (OR: 5.179). None of the patients with an early presentation developed severe ABP.

Conclusions

Early biliary decompression, as soon as possible after onset, either by an endoscopic or minimally invasive approach, is a safe and effective procedure in ABP. The type of procedure and optimal timing should be individualized, according to the patient’s local and general features.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors in breast cancer (Review)

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy has been intensely researched in the last years, motivated by the favorable results obtained with monoclonal antibodies in HER2-enriched breast cancer (BC) patients. Most researched alternatives of anti-EGFR agents were tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies. However, excluding monoclonal antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab, the remaining anti-EGFR molecules have exhibited disappointing results, due to the lack of specificity and frequent adverse side effects. TKIs have several advantages, including reduced cardiotoxicity, oral administration and favorable penetration of blood-brain barrier for brain metastatic BC. Lapatinib and neratinib and recently pyrotinib (approved only in China) are the only TKIs from dozens of molecules researched over the years that were approved to be used in clinical practice with limited indications, in a subset of BC patients, single or in combination with other chemotherapy or hormonal therapeutic agents. Improved identification of BC subtypes and improved characterization of aggressive forms (triple negative BC or inflammatory BC) should lead to advancements in shaping of targeted agents to improve the outcome of patients.

Ocular Side Effects of Aromatase Inhibitor Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer - A Review

BACKGROUND

Aromatase inhibitor therapy is currently the preferred choice in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. This article reviews the ocular side effects of treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in patients with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar.

RESULTS

After duplication removal, 14 clinical studies and 5 case reports, published between 2008 and 2021, were identified. Most frequently, AI treatment resulted in minor to moderate dry eye symptoms. "De novo" onset of Sjogren syndrome during AI therapy was also reported. Retinal and optic nerve side effects varied from mild, subclinical anatomic and functional impairment to severe decreased vision, secondary to hemi-central retinal artery occlusion, bilateral optic neuritis or uveitis with bilateral macular edema.

CONCLUSION

Visual disturbances encountered during AI treatment may be underestimated. Ophthalmic screening is important for early detection and appropriate treatment.

The use of polypropylene mesh in inguinal hernia surgery: A retrospective study

Previously, inguinal hernia surgery was based exclusively on repairing the abdominal wall defects using the patient's own tissues, which were put in contact with and tensioned to recalibrate the natural orifices. At present, inguinal hernia surgery is based almost solely on mounting an allograft, which has the role of strengthening the weakened groin region that allowed the herniation. This modern method of operation on inguinal hernia can be performed in a classic or laparoscopic manner. The mesh is made of polypropylene, which is a polymer of cyclic hydrocarbons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness, biocompatibility, as well as the immediate and long-term complications in textile allografts used in open surgery of inguinal hernia repair. Another aim was to demonstrate once again the superiority of low-weight meshes with large pores by decreasing the number of complications caused by the synthetic material used, but also by a decrease in the tension on the tissues to which it was fixed. The present study included 255 cases submitted to inguinal hernia surgery. Only 1.5% required immediate reintervention before discharge to evacuate hematoma. The short duration of hospitalization, the quality-price ratio, the good postoperative results, as well as the rapid socio-professional reintegration, render the use of polypropylene mesh in inguinal hernia surgery very attractive for patients.

Optimization of a GF-AAS method for lead testing in blood and urine: A useful tool in acute abdominal pain management in emergency

Suspicion of lead poisoning is confirmed by its concentration in blood and protoporphyrin red blood cells. At low concentrations, lead influences the synthesis of the heme in the sense of lowering it. Acute and chronic lead intoxication is extremely polymorphic in regards to its clinical manifestations, with digestive, hematological, cardiovascular, renal hepatic and neurological features. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of lead in human whole blood and urine harvested before and during chelation treatment in the case of lead poisoning. An atomic absorption spectroscopic method for the analysis of lead was developed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS), Varian Spectra AA-880 with a hollow cathode lead lamp and a deuterium lamp for background correction, coupled to a GTA-100 atomizer and a programmable sample dispenser. Standard calibration solutions were used for the range 10-100 µg/l. The linearity range was 10.0 to 100.0 µg/l with the correlation coefficient of 0.999. We established that the method can be applied for the determination of lead in whole blood and urine, and the results obtained are useful for monitoring chelation therapy in cases of acute lead poisoning, a neglected cause of abdominal colic pain in an emergency situation.

Acute surgical abdomen during the COVID-19 pandemic: Clinical and therapeutic challenges

The present study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical presentation and therapeutic management of acute surgical abdomen. A retrospective study of emergency hospitalizations with a diagnosis of acute surgical abdomen between April and July 2020 vs. a similar period in 2019 was performed. The observation sheets and the operating protocols were analyzed. Between April and July 2020, 50 cases of acute surgical abdomen were hospitalized and treated, compared to 43 cases in the same period last year. The main types of pathology in both groups included: Occlusions (60%, respectively 44.2% in 2019) and peritonitis (32%, respectively 41.8% in 2019). There was an increased rate of patients with colorectal cancers neglected therapeutically or uninvestigated, who presented during the pandemic period with emergencies for complications such as occlusion or tumor perforation (32 vs. 6.97%, P=0.0039). One case, with gastric perforation, was COVID-positive, with no pulmonary symptoms at admission. The number of postoperative infectious complications was lower during the pandemic (2 vs. 13.95%, P=0.0461). As the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be still far from ending, we should learn to adapt our surgical protocols to the new evidence. Oncological patients are a vulnerable group, who were neglected in the first months of the pandemic. SARS-Cov-2 infection may be a cause of abdominal pain and should be taken into account in different diagnoses of acute abdomen in surgical wards. Correct wearing of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and respecting strict rules of asepsis and antisepsis are required for preventing in-hospital transmission of infection.

Safety of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly: A Multivariate Analysis of Risk Factors for Intra and Postoperative Complications

Background and Objectives: This study investigates the impact of age upon the safety and outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis, by a multivariate approach. Materials and Methods: A 2-year retrospective study was performed on 333 patients admitted for acute cholecystitis who underwent emergency cholecystectomy. The patients included in the study group were divided into four age subgroups: A ≤49 years; B: 50-64 years; C: 65-79 years; D ≥80 years. Results: Surgery after 72 h from onset (p = 0.007), severe forms, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification and Charlson comorbidity index scores (p < 0.001) are well correlated with older age. Both cardiovascular and surgical related complications were significantly higher in patients over 50 years (p = 0.045), which also proved to be a turning point for increasing the rate of conversion and open surgery. However, the comparative incidence did not differ significantly between patients aged from 50-64 years, 65-79 years and over 80 years (6.03%, 9.09% and 5.8%, respectively). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was the most frequently used surgical approach in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in all age groups, with better outcomes than open cholecystectomy in terms of decreased overall and postoperative hospital stay, reduced surgery related complications, and the incidence of acute cardiovascular events in the early postoperative period (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The degree of systemic inflammation was the main factor that influenced the adverse outcome of LC in the elderly. Among comorbidities, diabetes was associated with increased surgical and systemic postoperative morbidity, while stroke and chronic renal insufficiency were correlated with a high risk of cardiovascular complications. With adequate perioperative care, the elderly has much to gain from the benefits of a minimally invasive approach, which allows a decreased rate of postoperative complications and a reduced hospital stay.

[Difficult case of thoraco-abdominal injuries due to a motor vehicle accident]

Recently, in our country we experience an increase incidence of motor vehicle accidents, which often leads to some severe cases brought to the A&E's departments, requiring prompt complex surgical treatment, with the surgeon facing out of ordinary situations. This is the case for the combined trauma of the chest and abdomen. The authors present the case of a 32 years old female patient, victim of a MVA, who had suffered a deep penetrating wound of her right chest and right upper quadrant, caused by a woden pole which penetrated the anterior V and VI intercostal spaces, went through the right inferior pulmonar lobe, the diaphragm and the 7th segment of the liver, resting on the posterior wall of the ribcage. This patient required emergency surgery, making un uneventful postoperative course.

IL-17 in cutaneous lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a heterogeneous disease with broad clinical spectrum from cutaneous to visceral and systemic inflammation. IL-17 isoforms (IL-17A and IL-17F) are proinflammatory cytokines with unclear implications in lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. In this study we focused upon IL-17 in normal and modified lupus skin with a correlative study between local and serological expression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

89 subjects were recruited and divided in 5 groups-10 patients with psoriasis (disease control group), 13 healthy controls, 26 with discoid chronic lupus (DLE), 23 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 17 with subacute lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Blood samples and skin punched-biopsy specimens were performed. Serum IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-23 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Skin IL-17A and CD4 expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical expression of IL-17A was higher in DLE, SCLE and SLE patients than in negative control subjects (all p<0.05). Serum IL-17A concentrations were higher in DLE and SLE patients than in negative controls (p<0.05). Serum IL-17A levels were similar in SCLE and negative controls (p>0.05). Serum IL-17F concentrations were higher in DLE, SCLE and SLE patients than in healthy controls (all p<0.05). In DLE, SCLE, SLE patients and healthy controls we observed comparable levels of IL-23 (p>0.05). Serum anti Ro antibodies correlate with IL-17A+ lymphocytes from SCLE lesion and SLE normal skin (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

IL-17 isoforms (IL-17A and IL-17F) are implicated in SLE but also in DLE and SCLE immunopathogenesis.

Biliary cystadenocarcinoma with two types of tumour cells

We report a rare case of biliary cystadenocarcinoma that occurred in the left hepatic lobe of a 62-year-old man and measured 20 cm in its greatest dimension. The neoplastic epithelium consisted of two types of cells: (1) cells with clear cytoplasm containing abundant mucin, and (2) cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, which in some areas formed nodules with hepatocytoid features (polygonal cell shape, large nuclei with prominent nucleoli, and pseudoglandular structures). Histochemical stains revealed the presence of cytoplasmic mucin in the hepatocytoid areas, whereas immunohistochemical stains clearly showed a biliary phenotype (diffuse positive staining for "biliary type" cytokeratins, rare foci of positive staining with antibody to human hepatocytes (HEP-PAR1), absence of staining for alpha-fetoprotein, and no evidence of canalicular pattern of staining with polyclonal antibody to carcinoembryonic antigen). These findings indicate that areas reminiscent of hepatocellular carcinoma may occur in biliary cystadenocarcinomas. Histochemical and immunohistochemical stains are useful in reaching a definitive diagnosis in such cases.

Comparison of two microemulsion of cyclosporine A in healthy volunteers

This study evaluated the bioequivalence of a new Cyclosporine A microemulsion formulation in comparison to the reference market standard. Twenty-four adult healthy volunteers were randomised to receive the two Cyclosporin A microemulsion formulations, at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, according to a cross-over design. Blood samples were taken before drug administration and at 12 points within 24 hours. Cyclosporine A whole blood concentrations were determined by HPLC. The pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity were calculated by the trapezoidal rule, Cmax and Tmax were obtained directly from blood data. AUCs and Cmax were tested for bioequivalence after log transformation of data, differences for Tmax were evaluated by the rank test of Wilcoxon for paired data. The 90% confidence interval ratio between tested/reference drug was 0.98 for AUC0-t, 0.96 for AUC0-infinity and 1.01 for Cmax. All of them were within the range of bioequivalence. Tmax was 1.60 +/- 0.44 hours after test drug and 1.67 +/- 0.48 after reference drug (p = 0.27, Wilcoxon test). According to these results the two Cyclosporine A microemulsion formulations can be considered bioequivalent.