Reflecting upon the humanitarian use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

Nine years after the earthquake in Haiti and the appearance of the concept of “humanitarian drones”, it remains a poorly discussed yet highly controversial issue. Emergency mapping and light cargo deliveries to inaccessible areas are only some of the most popular ways in which drones are currently used for post-disaster relief and health crisis management by first responders around the world. On the other hand, every single successful use for drones is always followed by controversy about the problems caused by that very same, initially successful, use. However, examples of good practices will contribute to the investigation, study and analysis of the ways in which new, cutting-edge technologies such as drones can be implemented and adapted to meet the needs and requirements of humanitarian organisations and local communities affected by disasters. The issue is how and under what circumstances drone use can potentially fulfil humanitarian functions, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster, and how this type of technology could be deployed in non-violent, ethically desirable ways as part of the humanitarian response. In conclusion, it is questionable whether the benefits of using drones outnumber the moral obstacles they raise, and whether they will eventually be considered an inseparable part of humanitarian aid as well as a cutting-edge technological toy.

Cross-sectional study on awareness and knowledge of torture investigation and documentation among Greek doctors and senior medical students.

Doctors in Greece face the possibility of encountering a person that has suffered torture, especially since the high rates of refugees' and migrants' inflows that took place over the last years. In order to assess the awareness and the knowledge of doctors and senior medical students in Greece regarding a manual on effective investigation and documentation of torture such as Istanbul Protocol (official United Nation document since 1999), a cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured anonymous questionnaire. The sample was doctors practicing in public hospitals in Greece, doctors volunteering at a non-governmental organization (NGO) and undergraduate medical students in their final year of studies in the Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23, using descriptive statistics and statistical significance tests.In a total of 289 participants, the mean total score of Istanbul Protocol knowledge was 4.43 ± 1.104 (the maximum possible score was 10) and the mean total score of Istanbul Protocol awareness was 2.04 ± 1.521 (the maximum possible score was 10). The most important conclusion was that among doctors and senior medical students, there seem to be knowledge, awareness, and information deficit about Istanbul Protocol and several issues relating to torture. The overall research outcome highlights the need for the development of a relevant informative/educational program, in order to cover the corresponding existing needs of the population of doctors in Greece.

High versus low ligation of inferior mesenteric vessels in rectal cancer surgery: A retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the short-term and the long-term oncological outcome between two groups of patients who had undergone either high or low ligation of inferior mesenteric vessels (IMV) in rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2014, 120 patients with rectosigmoid and rectal adenocarcinoma were operated with curative intent as first therapeutic option. Patients were divided in two groups depending on the level of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation. High ligation was defined as the division of the IMA less than 2cm from the aorta followed by the ligation of the inferior mesenteric vein at its origin from the lower border of the pancreas (n=76), while low ligation was defined as the division of IMA immediately distal to the origin of the left colic artery (n=44). RESULTS: The median follow up was 51 months. Univariate analyses disclosed that low ligation was related to a higher postoperative complications rate, mainly related to the higher rate of urinary dysfunction but it was also related to a favorable 5-year overall survival (OS) rate. However, multivariate analyses among factors which might influence the short- and long-term outcomes did not disclose the level of ligation as a factor influencing the postoperative course, the recurrence, the disease free survival (DFS) and the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates. CONCLUSIONS: The present study disclosed no differences in surgical, histological, short-term and long-term oncological outcomes between patients treated with either high or low ligation of IMA.

Neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio as a useful prognosticator for stage II colorectal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is expected to increase by 80% in year 2035. Even though advantages in treatment of CRC have being made over the last decades, the outcome remains poor. Recently, several inflammatory markers including pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), have being used as prognostic factors, since host inflammatory response to cancer is believed to determine disease progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of pretreatment NLR, in terms of overall survival (OS), 5-year survival, disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence, in CRC patients who underwent curative resection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 296 patients, who were submitted to elective surgery as first therapeutic option in curative intent, between January 2010 and December 2015. Pretreatment NLR, as well as demographics, clinical, histopathologic, and laboratory data were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors associated with OS, 5-year survival, DFS and recurrence. RESULTS: The cutoff point of NLR was calculated with Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test to 4.7. Univariate and multivariate analyses disclosed elevated NLR as a significant dismal prognostic factor for DFS (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.01-3.52; p = 0.048), 5-year survival (HR 2.14; 95% CI 1.12-4.10; p = 0.021) and OS (HR 2.11; 95% CI 1.11-4.03; p = 0.023). In a subgroup analysis, in patients with stage II CRC, NLR > 4.7 was a stronger poor predictor for DFS (HR 2.76; 95% CI 1.07-7.13; p = 0.036), 5-year survival (HR 3.84; 95% CI 1.39-10.63; p = 0.01) and OS (HR 3.62; 95% CI 1.33-4.82; p = 0.012). After adjusting stage for gender, age, location of the primary tumor, differentiation, as well as the presence of perineural, vascular, and lymphovascular invasion, the significance of NLR > 4.7 became more prominent for DFS (HR 2.85; 95% CI 1.21-6.73; p = 0.0176), 5-year survival (HR 4.06; 95% CI 1.66-9.93; p = 0.002) and OS (HR 4.07; 95% CI 1.69-9.91; p = 0.002) in stage II patients. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment NLR > 4.7 is a poor prognostic factor for DFS, 5-year survival and OS in CRC patients undergoing curative resection. The dismal prognostic effect of NRL is magnified in Stage II CRC patients.

The Saint George Quarantine Station of Piraeus, Greece (1865-1947)

For centuries, the marine quarantine system was the major protection of the public health against serious infectious diseases around the world. The present study reconstructs the history of the Quarantine Station of Piraeus, one of the largest Mediterranean ports, known as the "Lazaretto of Saint George", as a vital element in the maritime sanitary protection of Greece. Our research will investigate the impact left by this institution on public health, as well as on the economic life of the port of Piraeus and the adjacent capital city of Athens. With regard to the first issue, we will seek to evaluate its role in relation to major outbreaks in the capital, as well as the arrival of 1.3 million Greek refugees after the Greco-Turkish War of 1922. The opening of Suez Canal (1865) was a great challenge and the institution was problematic at administrative and sanitary levels. During 20th century, the station complied with the national public health legislation and the international sanitary conventions. Until the Second World War, the Lazaretto of Saint George played a key role in both the protection of public health in general, but also in the economic and industrial progress of Piraeus and Athens.

Vascular Shunts in Civilian Trauma.

Experience with temporary intravascular shunts (TIVS) for vessel injury comes from the military sector and while the indications might be clear in geographically isolated and under resourced war zones, this may be an uncommon scenario in civilian trauma. Data supporting TIVS use in civilian trauma have been extrapolated from the military literature where it demonstrated improved life and limb salvage. Few non-comparative studies from the civilian literature have also revealed similar favorable outcomes. Still, TIVS placement in civilian vascular injuries is uncommon and by some debatable given the absence of clear indications for placement, the potential for TIVS-related complications, the widespread resources for immediate and definitive vascular repair, and the need for curtailing costs and optimizing resources. This article reviews the current evidence and the role of TIVS in contemporary civilian trauma management.

Predictive Factors of Postoperative Pain and Postoperative Anxiety in Children Undergoing Elective Circumcision: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although circumcision for phimosis in children is a minor surgical procedure, it is followed by pain and carries the risk of increased postoperative anxiety. This study examined predictive factors of postoperative pain and anxiety in children undergoing circumcision. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of children scheduled for elective circumcision. Circumcision was performed applying one of the following surgical techniques: sutureless prepuceplasty (SP), preputial plasty technique (PP), and conventional circumcision (CC). Demographics and base-line clinical characteristics were collected, and assessment of the level of preoperative anxiety was performed. Subsequently, a statistical model was designed in order to examine predictive factors of postoperative pain and postoperative anxiety. Assessment of postoperative pain was performed using the Faces Pain Scale (FPS). The Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire study was used to assess negative behavioral manifestations. RESULTS: A total of 301 children with a mean age of 7.56 ± 2.61 years were included in the study. Predictive factors of postoperative pain measured with the FPS included a) the type of surgical technique, b) the absence of siblings, and c) the presence of postoperative complications. Predictive factors of postoperative anxiety included a) the type of surgical technique, b) the level of education of mothers, c) the presence of preoperative anxiety, and d) a history of previous surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although our study was not without its limitations, it expands current knowledge by adding new predictive factors of postoperative pain and postoperative anxiety. Clearly, further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm its results.

Novel biomarkers of abdominal aortic aneurysm disease: identifying gaps and dispelling misperceptions.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening disease. Early detection by screening programs and subsequent surveillance has been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of mortality due to aneurysm rupture. The aim of this review is to summarize the developments in the literature concerning the latest biomarkers (from 2008 to date) and their potential screening and therapeutic values. Our search included human studies in English and found numerous novel biomarkers under research, which were categorized in 6 groups. Most of these studies are either experimental or hampered by their low numbers of patients. We concluded that currently no specific laboratory markers allow screeing for the disease and monitoring its progression or the results of treatment. Further studies and studies in larger patient groups are required in order to validate biomarkers as cost-effective tools in the AAA disease.

Ring block with levobupivacaine 0.25% and paracetamol vs. paracetamol alone in children submitted to three different surgical techniques of circumcision: A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: circumcision in children is a painful procedure. We aim compare the intraoperative and postoperative efficacy of three different surgical procedures of the ring block using levobupivacaine 0.25% combined with rectal paracetamol as opposed to rectal paracetamol alone. METHODS: the study included 106 boys scheduled to undergo circumcision. The patients were randomly assigned within two groups to receive either ring block with levobupivacaine 0.25% and rectal paracetamol 30 mg/kg, or rectal paracetamol 30 mg/kg alone. The following surgical procedures were performed: sutureless proctoplasty, preputial plasty, and conventional circumcision. The efficacy of intraoperative analgesia was estimated on the basis of increases in heart rate and mean arterial pressure. Postoperatively, children were assessed for pain, pain-free (PF) period, and the total doses of analgesics administered during hospitalization, on the day after discharge, and on the first and second postoperative days. RESULTS: all children remained stable during anesthesia. Postoperatively, the mean pain score did not show statistical differences between the groups. Children who received combined analgesia had a longer PF period (P < 0.001). However, the total doses of paracetamol administered during the observational period showed no differences. Children undergoing sutureless prepuceplasty received lower doses of paracetamol postoperatively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: subcutaneous ring block either with levobupivacaine 0.25% plus rectal paracetamol or rectal paracetamol alone provides adequate intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in circumcised children. However, combined analgesia allows a longer PF period. The need for less analgesic administration in children undergoing sutureless prepuceplasty could mean that the circumcision techniques might be a mitigating factor in terms of pain.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share a common route of transmission so that about one third of HIV infected individuals show HCV co-infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy has offered a longer and better life to infected patients. While has removed AIDS-related diseases from the list of most common causes of death their place has been taken by complications of HCV infection, such as cirrhosis, end stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HIV/HCV co-infection requires complex management, especially when HCC is present. Co-infected patients with HCC undergo the same therapeutic protocol as their mono-infected counterparts, but special issues such as interaction between regimens, withdrawal of therapy and choice of immunosuppressive agents, demand a careful approach by specialists. All these issues are analyzed in this minireview.

Subsets of patients with advanced gastric cancer responding to second-line chemotherapy with docetaxel-cisplatin.

The role of docetaxel in combination with cisplatin in the management of gastric cancer resistant to first-line chemotherapy has not yet been defined. This multicenter prospective phase II study evaluated the activity and toxicity of the docetaxel-cisplatin combination in gastric cancer patients, whose tumors were primarily resistant to first-line chemotherapy or had tumor recurrence after chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of docetaxel 70 mg/m2 i.v. followed by cisplatin 70 mg/m2 both administered on day one, every three weeks. Thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 60 years and the median performance status (ECOG) was 1. Six (19%) patients had tumor progression during adjuvant chemotherapy, 19 (59%) had tumor recurrence after primary chemotherapy and 7 (22%) had tumor progressing while on first-line chemotherapy. Twenty (62%) patients had received non-platinum agents as first-line chemotherapy, while the rest had received the so-called "new generation" regimen that contained cisplatin. Among 32 patients evaluable for response, there were 5 (16%) (CI 95%-8%-35%) partial responses, all in patients that had received non-platinum agents as first-line chemotherapy. Stable disease was recorded in 8 (25%) and progressive disease in 19 (59%) patients. The median response duration was 4 (range 3-6) months, the median time to progression was 5 (range 3-6) months, the median survival after second-line chemotherapy was 6 (range 2-24) months and the median survival after first-line chemotherapy was 12 (range 4-36) months. Myelotoxicity was the main toxicity with grade 3-4 neutropenia occurring in 19 (59%) of the patients and febrile neutropenia in 4 (12%) patients. G-CSF support was given to 25 (78%) patients. Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia was recorded in 4 (12%) patients. In conclusion, the combination of docetaxel plus cisplatin appears to be a moderately effective regimen with acceptable toxicity when G-CSF support is provided. According to our results, it seems that patients, whose tumors were not exposed to cisplatin during first-line chemotherapy, were more likely to respond to this regimen.