Non minimally coupled condensate cosmologies: matching observational data with phase space

We compare theoretical predictions with observations for a class of cosmological models in which the dark energy component is modeled as a fermionic condensate, non-minimally coupled with the gravitational eld and characterized by some specic selfinteraction potentials. Our analysis is based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method (MCMC) and employs dierent data sets. It turns out that with an appropriate choice of parameters our models are fully compatible with several observed data. We combine these parameter values with phase space analysis to deduce the features of the entire cosmic history of the considered models

Current Approaches in the Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Adrenal Tumors

The use of imaging modalities and minimally invasive surgery plays an important role in the current management of adrenal tumors. Ultrasonography frequently allows for the incidental diagnosis of adrenal masses. The most frequent adrenal pathologies encountered are hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome), primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome), and pheochromocytomas. Clinical presentation of these adrenal tumors can often be non-specific, or such lesions may present as “incidentalomas” in patients who undergo imaging for clinical reasons unrelated to the adrenal glands. Adrenal malignancy is suggested by morphologic characteristics found on imaging studies: increased size, irregular borders, local invasion, and large necrotic areas. The risk of malignancy increases for larger adrenal masses. Minimally invasive surgery has become the initial choice for the treatment of adrenal tumors with retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches. This chapter describes the surgical indications and compares the various minimally invasive surgical approaches for the therapeutic management of adrenal masses

Acute Cholecystitis: Diagnostic Pitfall and Timing of Treatment

Objective: Cholelithiasis represents a very frequent health problem with higher prevalence in developed countries. The aim of this chapter is to underline, also by submitting our surgical experience, some diagnostic deceptions and the timing of treatment

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: no more a new technique

Haemorrhoidal disease affect between 4.4% and 36.4% of the general population. The common symptoms are: bleeding, prolapse, pain, discharge, itching and hampered anal hygiene. There is no correlation between specific symptoms and anatomic grading. Apparently severe looking haemorrhoids can cause relatively few symptoms. Open haemorrhoidectomy, as described by Milligan, has been accepted worldwide as the best choice for treatment of symptomatic haemorrhoids. In 1998, Longo proposed a procedure for haemorrhoidectomy with minimal postoperative pain, no perianal wound requiring postoperative wound care and a relatively short operative time. His technique presented a new notion for treating haemorrhoids as he proposed circumferential rectal mucosectomy that results in mucosal lifting (anopexy). His aim was not excision of the haemorrhoidal tissue but rather restoring anatomical and physiological aspects of the haemorrhoidal plexus. The grading system described by Goligher, is the most commonly used and is based on objective findings and patient history. Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is performed for grade III and IV, for grade II in case of major bleeding. In lithotomy position and spinal anesthesia and after taking all aseptic precautions, the procedure of stapled hemorrhoidectomy was performed according to Longo’s technique. After this surgical procedure, the need to manually reduce prolapse will have been cured in approximately 90% of patients and the overall preoperative symptoms will be much reduced in the great majority. There should be no anal pain. Bowel habits should have returned to a normal pattern without urgency. One year follow-up or longer 11% of patients had remaining or recurrent prolapse, the reintervention rate is about 10%

Gastroduodenal Lesions Associated with Portal Hypertension: An Extensive Review

The block of the portal flow by obstacles in prehepatic, hepatic or posthepatic site and alterations of the splanchnic blood flow are the pathological conditions that lead to portal hypertension. The portal hypertension can cause also others gastroduodenal lesions, potentially hemorrhagic, in addition to esophageal varices commonly developed and habitual source of bleeding in these patients. The gastroduodenal lesions associated with portal hypertension, usually encountered in the clinical practice, are portal hypertensive gastropaty, gastric antral vascular ectasia, gastric and duodenal ulcer, isolated gastric varices. The pathophysiology and clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of these lesions are examined

Hepatobiliary manifestations following two-stages elective laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for patients with ulcerative colitis: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUNDHepatobiliary manifestations occur in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The effect of laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy (LRP) with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) on hepatobiliary manifestations is debated.AIMTo evaluate hepatobiliary changes after two-stages elective laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for patients with UC.METHODSBetween June 2013 and June 2018, 167 patients with hepatobiliary symptoms underwent two-stage elective LRP for UC in a prospective observational study. Patients with UC and having at least one hepatobiliary manifestation who underwent LRP with IPAA were included in the study. The patients were followed up for four years to assess the outcomes of hepatobiliary manifestations.RESULTSThe patients' mean age was 36 +/- 8 years, and males predominated (67.1%). The most common hepatobiliary diagnostic method was liver biopsy (85.6%), followed by Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (63.5%), Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (62.5%), abdominal ultrasonography (35.9%), and Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (6%). The most common hepatobiliary symptom was Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (62.3%), followed by fatty liver (16.8%) and gallbladder stone (10.2%). 66.4% of patients showed a stable course after surgery. Progressive or regressive courses occurred in 16.8% of each. Mortality was 6%, and recurrence or progression of symptoms required surgery for 15%. Most PSC patients (87.5%) had a stable course, and only 12.5% became worse. Two-thirds (64.3%) of fatty liver patients showed a regressive course, while one-third (35.7%) showed a stable course. Survival rates were 98.8%, 97%, 95.8%, and 94% at 12 mo, 24 mo, 36 mo, and at the end of the follow-up.CONCLUSIONIn patients with UC who had LRP, there is a positive impact on hepatobiliary disease. It caused an improvement in PSC and fatty liver disease. The most prevalent unchanged course was PSC, while the most common improvement was fatty liver disease