The Soft X-ray Imager(SXI)on the SMILE Mission

The Soft X-ray Imager(SXI)is part of the scientific payload of the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer(SMILE)mission.SMILE is a joint science mission between the European Space Agency(ESA)and the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)and is due for launch in 2025.SXI is a compact X-ray telescope with a wide field-of-view(FOV)capable of encompassing large portions of Earth’s magnetosphere from the vantage point of the SMILE orbit.SXI is sensitive to the soft X-rays produced by the Solar Wind Charge eXchange(SWCX)process produced when heavy ions of solar wind origin interact with neutral particles in Earth’s exosphere.SWCX provides a mechanism for boundary detection within the magnetosphere,such as the position of Earth’s magnetopause,because the solar wind heavy ions have a very low density in regions of closed magnetic field lines.The sensitivity of the SXI is such that it can potentially track movements of the magnetopause on timescales of a few minutes and the orbit of SMILE will enable such movements to be tracked for segments lasting many hours.SXI is led by the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom(UK)with collaborating organisations on hardware,software and science support within the UK,Europe,China and the United States.

Comprehensive and personalized approach is a critical area for developing remote cardiac rehabilitation programs

In the evolving landscape of cardiac rehabilitation(CR),adopting digital technologies,including synchronous/real-time digital interventions and smart applications,has emerged as a transformative approach.These technologies offer realtime health data access,continuous vital sign monitoring,and personalized educational enhanced patient self-management and engagement.Despite their potential benefits,challenges and limitations exist,necessitating careful consideration.Synchronous/real-time digital CR involves remote,two-way audiovisual communication,addressing issues of accessibility and promoting home-based interventions.Smart applications extend beyond traditional healthcare,providing real-time health data and fostering patient empowerment.Wearable devices and mobile apps enable continuous monitoring,tracking of rehabilitation outcomes,and facilitate lifestyle modifications crucial for cardiac health maintenance.As digital CR progresses,ensuring patient access,equitable implementation,and addressing the digital divide becomes paramount.Artificial intelligence holds promise in the early detection of cardiac events and tailoring patient-specific CR programs.However,challenges such as digital literacy,data privacy,and security must be addressed to ensure inclusive implementation.Moreover,the shift toward digital CR raises concerns about cost,safety,and potential depersonalization of therapeutic relationships.A transformative shift towards technologically enabled CR necessitates further research,focusing not only on technological advancements but also on customization to meet diverse patient needs.Overcoming challenges related to cost,safety,data security,and potential depersonalization is crucial for the widespread adoption of digital CR.Future studies should explore integrating moral values into digital therapeutic relationships and ensure that digital CR is accessible,equitable,and seamlessly integrated into routine cardiac care.Theoretical frameworks that accommodate the dynamic quality of real-time monitoring and feedback feature of digital CR interventions should be considered to guide intervention development.

SSME在欧洲的教学:Porto和Masaryk大学的一个联合硕士培养计划(英文)

Service Science,Engineering and Management(SSME)is emerging as a new discipline and several universities have been evolving or creating courses/programs to educate for the needs of the service fields of the economy.The University of Porto started in 2007 a master program in Service Engineering and Management,and Masaryk University started in 2008 a program in Service Science,Management,and Engineering.Both programs concentrate on services that are supported by technology,in particular information and communication technologies.This paper presents a summary of both programs and a proposal for a joint 2 year master program involving the two universities that is expected to start in 2010.Students in this program will take courses in the two universities,and lecturers will be involved in joint research projects. Individual students will have a semester research or applied project in a European service organization,being supervised by a lecturer or a researcher from each universities.It is expected that graduates will understand technological,organizational and cultural aspects of the diverse businesses in a wide European context and will be ready for service requirements of this century.

BABA-induced pathogen resistance: a multi-omics analysis of the tomato response reveals a hyper-receptive status involving ethylene

Prior exposure to microbial-associated molecular patterns or specific chemical compounds can promote plants into a primed state with stronger defence responses.β-aminobutyric acid(BABA)is an endogenous stress metabolite that induces resistance protecting various plants towards diverse stresses.In this study,by integrating BABA-induced changes in selected metabolites with transcriptome and proteome data,we generated a global map of the molecular processes operating in BABA-induced resistance(BABA-IR)in tomato.BABA significantly restricts the growth of the pathogens Oidium neolycopersici and Phytophthora parasitica but not Botrytis cinerea.A cluster analysis of the upregulated processes showed that BABA acts mainly as a stress factor in tomato.The main factor distinguishing BABA-IR from other stress conditions was the extensive induction of signaling and perception machinery playing a key role in effective resistance against pathogens.Interestingly,the signalling processes and immune response activated during BABA-IR in tomato differed from those in Arabidopsis with substantial enrichment of genes associated with jasmonic acid(JA)and ethylene(ET)signalling and no change in Asp levels.Our results revealed key differences between the effect of BABA on tomato and other model plants studied until now.Surprisingly,salicylic acid(SA)is not involved in BABA downstream signalization whereas ET and JA play a crucial role.

Genetic diversity, population structure, and genome-wide association analysis of ginkgo cultivars

Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree worldwide.The species has nearly become extinct during the Quaternary,which has likely resulted in reduction of its genetic variability.The genetic variability is now conserved in few natural populations in China and a number of cultivars that are,however,derived from a few ancient trees,helping the species survive in China through medieval times.Despite the recent interest in ginkgo,however,detailed knowledge of its genetic diversity,conserved in cultivated trees and cultivars,has remained poor.This limits efficient conservation of its diversity as well as efficient use of the existing germplasm resources.Here we performed genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS)on 102 cultivated germplasms of ginkgo collected to explore their genetic structure,kinship,and inbreeding prediction.For the first time in ginkgo,a genome-wide association analysis study(GWAS)was used to attempt gene mapping of seed traits.The results showed that most of the germplasms did not show any obvious genetic relationship.The size of the ginkgo germplasm population expanded significantly around 1500 years ago during the Sui and Tang dynasties.Classification of seed cultivars based on a phylogenetic perspective does not support the current classification criteria based on phenotype.Twenty-four candidate genes were localized after performing GWAS on the seed traits.Overall,this study reveals the genetic basis of ginkgo seed traits and provides insights into its cultivation history.These findings will facilitate the conservation and utilization of the domesticated germplasms of this living fossil plant.

A Review of the Surgical Procedures for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy and Their Seizure Control Outcomes

Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy can be defined as the existence of seizures within 6 months, despite adequate therapy regimens with one or more antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy surgery has been the standard therapy to help those patients who suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy. The goal of this surgery is to halt or reduce the intensity of seizures. This literature review aims to provide an overview of existing surgical procedures for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and the degree of seizure control they provide based on available literature. Methods: Data were collected from medical journal databases, aggregators, and individual publications. The most used databases were PubMed, Medline and NCBI. Some of the keywords used to search these databases include: “drug resistant epilepsy”, “seizure control”, and “neurosurgery”. Results: Epileptic surgery is divided into resective and non-resective procedures. Studies have shown that a full resection of the epileptogenic brain area increases the probability of seizure eradication, however, the risks of postoperative impairments grow as the resection area is extended. On the other hand, patients who are unsuitable for seizure focus removal by resective surgery, such as those with multifocal seizures or overlapping epileptogenic zone with a functional cortex, may benefit from non-resective surgical options such as Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Responsive Neurostimulation. Conclusion: This literature review discusses the comprehensive treatment of epilepsy, especially the surgical treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. The reviewed studies have shown that epilepsy surgery has promising outcomes in achieving seizure freedom/reducing seizure frequency with minimal adverse effects when performed correctly with the appropriate choice of surgical candidates.

人为气溶胶排放导致最近80年东亚夏季风在过去四个世纪以来空前减弱

亚洲夏季风(Asian Summer Monsoon,ASM)对亚洲数十亿人口的生存、亚洲生态系统和生物多样性的分布、以及农业生产(粮食安全)和工业活动影响严重。因此了解ASM过去时空变化及其动力学过程对陆地生态系统、水资源、森林和景观研究至关重要。近几十年,器测记录显示以降水量为代表的ASM强度一直在减弱,但这一减弱趋势的起始时间和动力学过程尚不清楚。为此,第一次集成了ASM西部-中部边缘带10个对降水敏感的树木年轮宽度年表,重建了公元1566年以来反映ASM强度变化的降水序列。重建结果不仅捕捉到了ASM过去4个世纪以来强弱变化历史,也反映出历史上蝗灾与弱季风的关联。特别是发现了最近80年具有过去448年中前所未有的、最为强烈的、显著且持续时间最长的ASM强度减弱趋势。这一减弱趋势与在温室效应影响下ASM本该增强的预期大相庭径。耦合气候模型实验表明,北半球人为硫酸盐气溶胶排放的逐渐增加,对ASM减弱起了决定性作用。

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the evaluation of incidental focal liver lesions: A cost-effectiveness analysis

AIM To determine whether contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS) as the first-line method is more costeffective in evaluating incidentally discovered focal liver lesions(FLLs) than is computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). METHODS Between 2010 and 2015, our prospective study enrolled 459 patients with incidentally found FLLs. The biological nature of FLLs was assessed by CEUS in all patients. CT or MRI examinations were added in unclear cases. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were calculated. The total costs of CEUS examinations and of the added examinations performed in inconclusive cases were calculated. Afterwards, the theoretical expenses for evaluating incidentally discovered FLLs using CT or MRI as the first-line method were calculated. The resultswere compared. RESULTS The total cost of the diagnostic process using CEUS for all enrolled patients with FLLs was 75884 USD. When the expenses for additional CT and MRI examinations performed in inconclusive cases were added, the total cost was 90540 US dollar(USD). If all patients had been examined by CT or MR as the first-line method, the costs would have been 78897 USD or 384235 USD, respectively. The difference between the cost of CT and CEUS was 3013 USD(4%) and that between MRI and CEUS was 308352 USD(406.3%). We correctly described 97.06% of benign or malignant lesions, with 96.99% sensitivity and 97.09% specificity. Positive predictive value was 94.16% and negative predictive value was 98.52%. In cases with 4 and more lesions, malignancy is significantly more frequent and inconclusive findings significantly less frequent(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION While the costs of CEUS and CT in evaluating FLLs are comparable, CEUS examination is far more costeffective in comparison to MRI.

How significant is the association between metabolic syndrome and prevalence of colorectal neoplasia?

The incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome(MS) and colorectal cancer(CRC) has been rising in developed countries. The association between these two diseases has been widely studied and reported. Less evidence is available about the relationship between MS and CRC precancerous lesions(adenomatous polyps, adenomas). The aim of this paper is to present an overview of our scientific understanding of that topic and its implication in clinical practice. One of the principal goals of current CRC secondary prevention efforts is to detect and remove the precancerous lesions in individuals with an average CRC risk to prevent the development of invasive cancer. MS is not currently considered a high-risk CRC factor and is therefore not included in the guidelines of organized screening programs. However, in light of growing scientific evidence, the approach to patients with MS should be changed. Metabolic risk factors for the development of adenomas and cancers are the same- obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus type 2. Therefore, the key issue in the near future is the development of a simple scoring system, easy to use in clinical practice, which would identify individuals with high metabolic risk of colorectal neoplasia and would be used for individual CRC secondary prevention strategies. Currently, such scoring systems have been published based on Asian(Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening Score; APCS) and Polish populations.

Comparative analysis of clinicopathological correlations of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in resectable pancreatic cancer

AIM:To perform a comparative analysis of clinicopathological correlations of cyclooxygenase2 (COX2) expression in pancreatic cancer, examined by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.METHODS: The COX2 expression in 85 resection specimens of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was immunohistochemically examined using both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The final immunoscores were obtained by multiplying the percentage of positive cells with the numeric score reflecting the staining intensity.COX2 expression levels were classified into three categories (0, 1+, and 2+) and the clinicopathological correlations were statistically evaluated and analyzed.RESULTS: The positive tumor expression rates of COX2 were 80.5% using monoclonal antibody and 69.4% using polyclonal antibody. In the KaplanMeier analysis, no significant correlations were found between levels of COX2 expression and overall survival (OS), but trends to longer OS were found in COX2 negative cases using monoclonal antibody. Significantly longer disease free survival was revealed in COX2 negative cases using monoclonal antibody (P = 0.019). No correlations between COX2 expression levels and grade (G), tumor (T) status and nodal (N) status were demonstrated. Low histological grade showed a strong association with a longer OS (P < 0.001). Correlation of survival and T status revealed a shorter OS in T3 tumors, but the results reached only marginal statistical significance (P = 0.070). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, histological grade, T and N status remained valuable predictors of a worse survival with borderline significance for T [hazards ratio (HR) = 4.18 for G (if G = 3, P < 0.001); HR = 1.64 for T (if T = 3, P = 0.065); HR = 2.53 for N (if N = 1, P = 0.006)]. Higher grade, T or N status was associated with a worse OS. CONCLUSION: The immunohistochemically assessed level of COX2 expression does not seem to represent a valuable independent prognostic factor and is not superior to the conventional prognostic factors.

Treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis： a systematic review

Coronary stem implantation has significantly improved percutaneous coronary intervention and enabled the management of early complications of plain balloon angioplasty. However, a new complication has accompanied these improvements： in-stent restenosis （ISR） arising from neointimal hyperplasia. ISR after coronary angioplasty is currently one of the main limitations of this method, leading to the recurrence of exertional angina pectoris or acute coronary syndromes. The clinical incidence of ISR after bare-metal stent （BMS） implantation is approximately 20%35%. The use of drug-eluting stents （DES） has led to a further decrease in the occurrence of ISR to 5%-10%. Evidence resulting from controlled clinical studies suggests that DES and drug-eluting balloon catheters （DEB） provide the best clinical and angiographic results in the treatment of ISR. We undertook a systematic review of the pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment options for BMS- and DES-ISR. We discuss recent randomised studies, comparing different DES or DEB used for BMS or DES-ISR treatment, as well as the use of new biovascular scafolds and the topic of scafold restenosis.

Cardiac rehabilitation and its essential role in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of mortality worldwide.They are frequently the reasons for patient hospitalization,their incapability for work,and disability.These diseases represent a significant socio-economic burden affecting the medical system as well as patients and their families.It has been demonstrated that the etiopathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is significantly affected by lifestyle,and so modification of the latter is an essential component of both primary and secondary prevention.Cardiac rehabilitation(CR)represents an efficient secondary prevention model that is especially based on the positive effect of regular physical activity.This review presents an overview of basic information on CR with a focus on current trends,such as the issue of the various training modalities,utilization,and barriers to it or the use of telemedicine technologies.Appropriate attention should be devoted to these domains,as CR continues evolving as an effective and readily available intervention in the future.

Colorectal cancer screening:20 years of development and recent progress

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second most common cancer in Europe and its incidence is steadily increasing.This trend could be reversed through timely secondary prevention(screening).In the last twenty years,CRC screening programs across Europe have experienced considerable improvements(fecal occult blood testing;transition from opportunistic to population based program settings).The Czech Republic is a typical example of a country with a long history of nationwide CRC screening programs in the face of very high CRC incidence and mortality rates.Each year,approximately 8000 people are diagnosed with CRC and some 4000 die from this malignancy.Twenty years ago,the first pilot studies on CRC screening led to the introduction of the opportunistic Czech National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in 2000.Originally,this program was based on the guaiac fecal occult blood test(FOBT)offered by general practitioners,followed by colonoscopy in cases of FOBT positivity.The program has continuously evolved,namely with the implementation of immunochemical FOBTs and screening colonoscopy,as well as the involvement of gynecologists.Since the establishment of the Czech CRC Screening Registry in 2006,2405850 FOBTs have been performed and 104565 preventive colonoscopies recorded within the screening program.The overall program expanded to cover 25.0%of the target population by 2011.However,stagnation in the annual number of performed FOBTs lately has led to switching to the option of a population-based program with personal invitation,which is currently being prepared.

Viewpoints of the target population regarding barriers and facilitators of colorectal cancer screening in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND Public awareness of colorectal cancer(CRC) and uptake of CRC screening remain challenges. The viewpoints of the target population(asymptomatic individuals older than 50) regarding CRC screening information sources and the reasons for and against participation in CRC screening are not well known in the Czech Republic. This study aimed to acquire independent opinions from the target population independently on the health system.AIM To investigate the viewpoints of the target population regarding the source of information for and barriers and facilitators of CRC screening.METHODS A survey among relatives(aged 50 and older) of university students was conducted. Participants answered a questionnaire about sources of awareness regarding CRC screening, reasons for and against participation, and suggestions for improvements in CRC screening. The effect of certain variables on participation in CRC screening was analyzed.RESULTS Of 498 participants, 478(96%) respondents had some information about CRC screening and 375(75.3%) had participated in a CRC screening test. General practitioners(GPs)(n = 319, 64.1%) and traditional media(n = 166, 33.3%) were the most common information sources regarding CRC screening. A lack of interest or time and a fear of colonoscopy or positive results were reported as reasons for non-participation. Individuals aged > 60 years [adjusted odds ratio(aOR) = 2.30, 95% confidence interval(CI)(1.42-3.71), P = 0.001], females(aOR =1.95, 95%CI(1.26-3.01) P = 0.003), and relatives of CRC patients(aOR = 4.17,95%CI(1.82-9.58) P = 0.001) were more likely to participate in screening.Information regarding screening provided by physicians-GPs:(aOR = 8.11,95%CI(4.90-13.41), P < 0.001) and other specialists(aOR = 4.19, 95%CI(1.87-9.38),P = 0.001) increased participation in screening. Respondents suggested that providing better explanations regarding screening procedures and equipment for stool capturing could improve CRC screening uptake.CONCLUSION GPs and other specialists play crucial roles in the successful uptake of CRC screening. Reduction of the fear of colonoscopy and simple equipment for stool sampling might assist in improving the uptake of CRC screening.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis:A severe complication of liver cirrhosis

This report presents a survey of current knowledge concerning one of the relatively frequent and severe complications of liver cirrhosis and associated ascites-spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Epidemiology,aetiology,pathogenesis,clinical manifestation,diagnosis and present possibilities of treatment are discussed.

Colorectal cancer screening in Europe

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second most frequent malignant disease in Europe.Every year,412 000people are diagnosed with this condition,and 207 000patients die of it.In 2003,recommendations forscreening programs were issued by the Council of the European Union(EU),and these currently serve as thebasis for the preparation of European guidelines forCRC screening.The manner in which CRC screening iscarried out varies significantly from country to countrywithin the EU,both in terms of organization and thescreening test chosen.A screening program of onesort or another has been implemented in 19 of 27 EUcountries.The most frequently applied method is testing stool for occult bleeding(fecal occult blood test,FOBT).In recent years,a screening colonoscopy hasbeen introduced,either as the only method(Poland)orthe method of choice(Germany,Czech Republic).

Remotely monitored telerehabilitation for cardiac patients: A review of the current situation

Cardiac rehabilitation through center-based programs is an effective multicomponent intervention for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.Despite the benefits it brings,patients’participation in rehabilitation programs remains low.In this work,the latest relevant literature regarding remotely monitored cardiac telerehabilitation(TR)was reviewed considering its efficiency and utilization.The main objective was to assess whether TR has the potential to be an appropriate alternative form of rehabilitation.A total of 105 publications on this topic were screened out of 747 full-text articles that were read and evaluated,of which 12 were considered suitable for inclusion in the final review.Feasibility,efficiency,and safety were assessed for each TR intervention.The results of our evaluation indicate that TR seems to be a usable,effective,and safe alternative rehabilitation for patients with heart disease.Most of the currently published articles have studied remotely monitored TR intervention offering a comprehensive approach,which indicates the significant development and steps forward in this field of study.Our research evidence supports the implementation of TR,which could positively influence barriers in participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Evaluation of SNPs in miR-196-a2, miR-27a and miR-146a as risk factors of colorectal cancer

AIM: To investigate whether selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miR-196a2, miR-27a and miR146a genes are associated with sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC).METHODS: In order to investigate the effect of these SNPs in CRC, we performed a case-control study of 197 cases of sporadic CRC and 212 cancer-free controls originating from the Central-European Caucasian population using TaqMan Real-Time polymerase chain reaction and allelic discrimination analysis. RESULTS: The genotype and allele frequencies of SNPs were compared between the cases and the controls. None of the performed analysis showed any statistically significant results. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a lack of association between rs11614913, rs895819 and rs2910164 and colorectal cancer risk in the Central-European Caucasian population, a population with an extremely high incidence of sporadic colorectal cancer.

Helicobacter pylori infection and other bacteria in pancreatic cancer and autoimmune pancreatitis

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is an infectious agent influencing as much as 50%of the world’s population.It is the causative agent for several diseases,most especially gastric and duodenal peptic ulcer,gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the stomach.A number of other,extragastric manifestations also are associated with H.pylori infection.These include neurological disorders,such as Alzheimer’s disease,demyelinating multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.There is also evidence for a relationship between H.pylori infection and such dermatological diseases as psoriasis and rosacea as well as a connection with infection and open-angle glaucoma.Generally little is known about the relationship between H.pylori infection and diseases of the pancreas.Most evidence about H.pylori and its potential role in the development of pancreatic diseases concerns pancreatic adenocarcinoma and autoimmune forms of chronic pancreatitis.There is data(albeit not fully consistent)indicating modestly increased pancreatic cancer risk in H.pylori-positive patients.The pathogenetic mechanism of this increase is not yet fully elucidated,but several theories have been proposed.Reduction of antral Dcells in H.pylori-positive patients causes a suppression of somatostatin secretion that,in turn,stimulates increased secretin secretion.That stimulates pancreatic growth and thus increases the risk of carcinogenesis.Alternatively,H.pylori,as a part of microbiome dysbiosis and the so-called oncobiome,is proven to be associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma development via the promotion of cellular proliferation.The role of H.pylori in the inflammation characteristic of autoimmune pancreatitis seems to be explained by a mechanism of molecular mimicry among several proteins(mostly enzymes)of H.pylori and pancreatic tissue.Patients with autoimmune pancreatitis often show positivity for antibodies against H.pylori proteins.H.pylori,as a part of microbiome dysbiosis,also is viewed as a potential trigger of autoimmune inflammation of the pancreas.It is precisely these relationships(and associated equivocal conclusions)that constitute a center of attention among pancreatologists,immunologists and pathologists.In order to obtain clear and valid results,more studies on sufficiently large cohorts of patients are needed.The topic is itself sufficiently significant to draw the interest of clinicians and inspire further systematic research.Next-generation sequencing could play an important role in investigating the microbiome as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.

Prevalence and determinants of delayed gastric emptying in hospitalised Type 2 diabetic patients

AIM: To determine the prevalence of delayed gastric emptying (GE) in older patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: One hundred and forty seven patients with Type 2 diabetes, of whom 140 had been hospitalised, mean age 62.3 ± 8.0 years, HbA1c 9.1% ± 1.9%, treated with either oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin were studied. GE of a solid meal (scintigraphy), autonomic nerve function, upper gastrointestinal symptoms, acute and chronic glycemic control were evaluated. Gastric emptying results were compared to a control range of hospitalised patients who did not have diabetes. RESULTS: Gastric emptying was delayed (T50 > 85 min) in 17.7% patients. Mean gastric emptying was slower in females (T50 72.1 ± 72.1 min vs 56.9 ± 68.1 min, P = 0.02) and in those reporting nausea (112.3 ± 67.3 vs 62.7 ± 70.0 min, P < 0.01) and early satiety (114.0 ± 135.2 vs 61.1 ± 62.6 min, P = 0.02). There was no correlation between GE with age, body weight, duration of diabetes, neuropathy, current glycemia or the total score for upper gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Prolonged GE occurs in about 20% of hospitalised elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes when compared to hospitalised patients who do not have diabetes. Female gender, nausea and early satiety areassociated with higher probability of delayed GE.