Hippokratia
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Over the recent decades, advances in healthcare technology have led to significant improvements in the quality of healthcare and in population health. At the same time, technological change in healthcare, rising national income and expansion of insurance coverage have been acknowledged as the main determinants of the historical growth in health spending in industrialized countries. The pharmaceutical sector is of particular interest as it constitutes a market characterized by rapid technological change and high expenditure growth rates. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of research findings on the impact of pharmaceutical innovation on pharmaceutical expenditure growth, total health expenditure and population health outcomes and to bring forward the challenges that arise for pharmaceutical policy in Greece.
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The present study describes two unusual and large bony processes which were found at the acromial end of a dried human clavicle, due to their rarity and impressive appearance. ⋯ Although the conoid process of the clavicle may be congenital and usually articulates with the coracoid process of the scapula, in our case the conoid process was acquired and presented a rough and slightly sharp tip, without any joint surface. It was very interesting that the quadrilateral process found at the anterior border of the same clavicle was probably forming an accessory joint between the clavicle and the humeral head.
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In the last years a major emphasis is laid on the Allogeneic Transplantation of Blood Stem Cells from the Umbilical Cord Blood with a simultaneous development of Umbilical Cord Blood bank. The attitude and knowledge of Health Professionals is vital to the success of this attempt as it affects significantly the promotion of Umbilical Cord Blood donation. The aim of present study is the examination of Health Professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards Umbilical Cord Blood in Greece. ⋯ Although according to a relevant research health professionals are considered by the public as the most credible source of information about Umbilical Cord Blood, their level of knowledge on the usage and storing of Umbilical Cord Blood is inadequate. The present study indicates the necessity of creation or reinforcing of effective programs of continual training with the use of technology (i.e. Internet).
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We present the clinical outcome and long-term survival in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma treated in a tertiary center. A thorough review of published series and current therapeutic approaches is also addressed. ⋯ Total thyroidectomy and neck dissection remains the gold standard in the treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment lead to lower rates of recurrence and invasiveness. Tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, especially vantetanib, appears to be a promising target for treatment.
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Carbamazepine, a widely used antiepileptic drug that has been used for the treatment of both partial and generalized seizures, for trigeminal neuralgia, as a mood stabilizer and for treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes, may have negative chronotropic and dromotropic effects on the cardiac conduction system. ⋯ Although sinus tachycardia is the most frequently observed cardiac side effect of carbamazepine, sinus and nodal bradycardia, atrioventricular block, premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardia and junctional escape rhythms have been reported in patients due to carbamazepine toxicity.