F.) were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up was supplemented with a telephone interview and completion of a structured questionnaire. A review of the current literature was performed.

RESULTS: From 1998 to 2010, the senior author performed 111 CEAs. Average cross-clamp time was 33 +/- 11 minutes. Postoperative complications included 1 non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and 2 strokes. No deaths, cranial-nerve deficits, or acute reocclusions were observed. After a mean follow-up of 64.6 months (7170.6 case-months), there were 3 contralateral strokes and 7 deaths. There were no ipsilateral strokes or restenoses >50%. Follow-up medication compliance was 94.6% for antiplatelet agents

and 91.9% for statins. The outcomes of the current study were comparable to those of the available trials comparing patch Bcl-2 inhibitor angioplasty with primary closure. A careful evaluation of the literature revealed a number of reasons potentially explaining the persistent use of patch angioplasty.

CONCLUSION: In conjunction with contemporary medical management, primary closure during CEA may yield results comparable or superior to patch angioplasty. Advantages of primary closure include shorter cross-clamp times and elimination of graft-specific complications.”
“Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors Pictilisib purchase worldwide. The outcome of the disease is related to the

stage of presentation. A comprehensive analysis of patients with this disease is not available in India.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of 246 patients with HCC was done. One hundred ninety-one patients (male 160, female 31; median age 52 years, range 9-85 years) fulfilling diagnostic second criteria for HCC adopted by Barcelona-2000 EASL conference were analyzed for clinical, etiological, radiological and cytohistological profile.

Results: Underlying cirrhosis was seen in 60% cases with hepatitis B being the most common etiologic agent. HCC caused new onset ascites and recent worsening in three-fourth cases with ascites. Paraneoplastic syndrome was a rare event in HCC in India. Diagnostic level of serum AFP was seen in only 46%

with significant difference between cirrhosis HCC patients compared with non-cirrhosis HCC patients (53% vs. 26%; P= 0.046). Most cases (83%) presented at advanced stage (Okuda III or IV) and cytohistology was the best method to diagnose HCC. Vascular invasion was seen in half the patients (53%) by the time they presented with extrahepatic spread of tumor in 13% cases.

Conclusions: The prevalence of advanced stage HCC makes most of the detectable lesions unsuitable for curative resection. However, universal hepatitis B vaccination program may become the most effective preventive measure to control this disease in India.”
“The global obesity epidemic has been escalating for four decades, yet sustained prevention efforts have barely begun.