Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a necroinflammatory process characterized by loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. To date, the disease has been

treated symptomatically. Real advances in CP management can be expected once the pathophysiology of the disease is elucidated and individual stages of its development are properly managed. A key role in the CP pathogenesis is played by activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) that cooperate with the remaining pancreatic cells. All these cells produce cytokines, growth factors, angiotensin and other substances, which paracrinally or autocrinally induce Staurosporine in vivo further, persistent activation of PSCs. The activated PSCs are capable of producing and modifying the extracellular matrix. An optimal therapeutic preparation should exert beneficial effects on all the above-mentioned phenomena observed in CP. The most promising treatment modalities include blocking of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPAR-gamma), influence on the remaining PSC signaling pathways, blocking of substances produced by activated PSCs, and antioxidants. The findings of many recent experimental studies are highly encouraging; however, their efficacy should

be confirmed in well-designed clinical trials.”
“Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide with increasing morbidity. China has the largest asthmatic population and is one of the countries with the highest asthma mortality. Fortunately, Blebbistatin order asthma research in China, both clinical and scientific, has developed markedly over the past few years. This has resulted in significant increases in our understanding

of Chinese asthma prevalence, risk factors, control status, pathogenesis, and new prevention or treatment strategies. In this review, the major achievements of asthma research in China from 2008 to 2012 are summarized.”
“Objective: Participation in an exercise intervention during cancer treatment diminishes the side effects associated with cancer therapies, although such benefits vary according to the disease and the patient characteristics. A structured exercise program providing an individualized fitness program tailored to selleckchem the patients’ illness, treatment, and fitness level would address this variability. However, the need, desired components, and anticipated barriers of such a program have not been systematically explored from either the point of view of cancer patients or treating oncologists.

Methods: Sixty-six cancer patients and 18 medical and radiation oncologists were surveyed on the above variables.

Results: Cancer patients and oncologists alike perceived a need for a structured exercise program during and after medical treatment for cancer.