The Spatial-Temporal Dimension of Oncological Prevalence and Mortality in Romania.

The objective of this study was to identify spatial disparities in the distribution of cancer hotspots within Romania. Additionally, the research aimed to track prevailing trends in cancer prevalence and mortality according to a cancer type. The study covered the timeframe between 2008 and 2017, examining all 3,181 territorial administrative units. The analysis of spatial distribution relied on two key parameters. The first parameter, persistence, measured the duration for which cancer prevalence exceeded the 75th percentile threshold. Cancer prevalence refers to the total number of individuals in a population who have been diagnosed with cancer at a specific time point, including both newly diagnosed cases (occurrence) and existing cases. The second parameter, the time continuity of persistence, calculated the consecutive months during which cancer prevalence consistently surpassed the 75th percentile threshold. Notably, persistence of elevated values was also evident in lowland regions, devoid of any discernible direct connection to environmental conditions. In conclusion, this work bears substantial relevance to regional health policies, by aiding in the formulation of prevention strategies, while also fostering a deeper comprehension of the socioeconomic and environmental factors contributing to cancer.

Helicobacter pylori infection: old and new.

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that grows in the digestive tract and may be present in more than half of the world's population. The clinical features of Helicobacter pylori range from asymptomatic gastritis to gastrointestinal malignancy. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a low-grade B-cell marginal zone lymphoma and Helicobacter pylori has been detected in more than 75% of the patients with MALT lymphoma. Many tests for the detection of Helicobacter pylori are available, including antibody tests, urea breath tests, stool antigen tests and endoscopic biopsies. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori usually prevents the return of ulcers and ulcer complications even after appropriate medications such as PPIs are stopped. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori is important in the treatment of the rare condition of the stomach known as MALT lymphoma. The treatment of Helicobacter pylori to prevent stomach cancer is controversial. Confirmation of eradication is recommended in associated ulcers, persistent dyspepsia despite a test-and-treat approach, MALT lymphoma, and previous treatment for early-stage gastric cancer. The urea breath test and stool antigen test can be used to confirm the eradication and should be performed at least 4 weeks after the completion of therapy. Several diseases have been reported to be associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, including hematologic diseases, such as ITP, idiopathic iron deficiency anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency. There is a positive trend in the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and neurodegenerative disorders and new data showed a reduced risk of death due to stroke and lung cancer but an increased risk of preeclampsia in infected women, which requires further investigations.

Massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding - complication of pancreatic pseudocyst.

Massive bleeding is an unusual complication of pancreatitis. Most patients have chronic pancreatic disorders associated with pancreatic pseudocyst. We present the case of a patient, aged 49 years, known with alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis, corporeal-caudal pancreatic pseudocyst expanded in the omental bursa, admitted to the emergency room because of hematemesis and melena, the endoscopy revealing, as a source, the erosion through the posterior gastric wall by the pseudocyst. The gastrostomy and haemostasis in situ of the source and the pseudocyst-gastric anastomosis was the solution adopted, with favourable long-term evolution.