No abstract

The circadian pattern of intragastric acidity was assessed in 19 healthy subjects and 37 patients with active, endoscopically proven duodenal ulcer using 24-hr continuous intraluminal pH-metry. The median pH 24-hr profiles showed that ulcer patients had lower postprandial pH elevations and a smaller decline in acidity during the early morning hours when compared with controls. The after-lunch and -dinner area under the curve and maximum pH values were significantly higher in controls compared to ulcer patients. In the nighttime, the median pH values in controls were significantly higher during 9 PM to 12 PM (P = 0.02), 12 PM to 4 AM (P = 0.01), and 4 AM to 8 AM (P = 0.0008) compared to the ulcer patients. We conclude that the 24-hr acidity is higher in ulcer patients compared to healthy subjects and that the differences are particularly evident in the postprandial and nocturnal periods.

The occurrence of DNA fragmentation in peripheral blood lymphocytes reflects a direct genotoxic effect of either alcohol or HBV and HCV and suggests that the same genotoxic effect may operate in the liver and contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis.

No abstract

Even though Gemella morbillorum infection (GMI) is rare in humans, it may, nevertheless, cause endocarditis, meningitis, brain abscess, pleural empyema, nephritis, mediastinitis, and – occasionally – liver abscess. We are describing the case of a 64-year-old Caucasian male admitted with fever and abdominal pain. Laboratory parameters revealed inflammation signs, and instrumental examinations showed the presence of diverticula in the ascending colon. Abdominal ultrasound (US) and computer tomography (CT) showed two focal lesions in the right liver lobe. One had the characteristics of a simple cyst; the second was hypoechoic with a low density area, possibly containing necrotic material. US-guided needle biopsy was found negative for neoplastic cells, showing purulent infiltrate. Pus culture was found positive for GMI. Systemic antibiotic therapy, coupled with repeated US-guided needle aspiration, induced the resolution of the hepatic abscess. Few cases have been reported of hepatic abscess caused by GMI in immunocompetent non-cirrhotic subjects.