Articles: ninos.
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Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic large vessel vasculitis. The physiopathology of TA has not been completely elucidated, but it appears to be multifactorial and to mainly involve cellular immunity. The pathologic sequence could implicate stimulation from an antigen that triggers heat shock protein (HSP)-65 expression in aortic tissue which, in turn, induces MHC class I-related chain A (MICA). ⋯ The use of corticosteroids and of other immunosuppressive agents can bring TA into remission in most patients. A better understanding of the immunological mechanisms responsible for the vascular injury has led to trials of anti-TNF-alpha agents with encouraging results. In the near future, new drugs specifically designed to target some of the mechanisms described above may be able to expand the physician's therapeutic arsenal in TA.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · May 2006
Burnout in internal medicine physicians: Differences between residents and specialists.
Burnout poses a substantial problem for physicians' well-being and for the quality of health care. The role of workload in comparison to subjective work characteristics has been rarely studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations of burnout with workload and subjective work characteristics in internal medicine specialists and residents. ⋯ Perceived working conditions were more important than workload in explaining the variance in burnout. In addition, burnout in medical specialists and residents was linked to different characteristics of their working environment.
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as the most common indication for liver transplantation in many countries. Although the incidence of hepatitis C infection has dramatically decreased during the past decade, the worldwide reservoir of chronically infected persons is estimated at 170 million, or 3% of the global population. There is much controversy surrounding the natural history of hepatitis C infection. ⋯ An estimated 10%-15% of HCV-infected persons will advance to cirrhosis within the first 20 years. Persons with cirrhosis are at increased risk of developing HCC. An understanding of the natural history of hepatitis C is essential to effectively manage, treat, and counsel individuals with HCV infection.
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Hepatitis C virus remains a large health care burden to the world. Incidence rates across the world fluctuate and are difficult to calculate given the asymptomatic, often latent nature of the disease prior to clinical presentation. Prevalence rates across the world have changed as well with more countries aware of transfusion-related hepatitis C and more and more evidence supporting intravenous drug use as the leading risk factor of spread of the virus. This article reviews current hepatitis C virus prevalence and genotype data and examines the different risk factors associated with the virus.