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Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a relatively common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis, but might also occur in absence of an overt liver disease. Several causes, either local or systemic, might play an important role in PVT pathogenesis. Frequently, more than one risk factor could be identified; however, occasionally no single factor is discernable. Clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and imaging are helpful to provide a quick diagnosis, as prompt treatment might greatly affect a patient's outcome. In this review, we analyze the physiopathological mechanisms of PVT development, together with the hemodynamic and functional alterations related to this condition. Moreover, we describe the principal factors most frequently involved in PVT development and the recent knowledge concerning diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Finally, we analyze the implications of PVT in the setting of liver transplantation and its possible influence on patients' future prognoses.

SUMMARY BackgroundAminosalicylates are the mainstay of therapy to prevent relapse of quiescent ulcerative colitis. The rationale for using probiotics is based on the evidence implicating intestinal bacteria in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

For survivors of severe COVID-19 disease, having defeated the virus is just the beginning of an uncharted recovery path. What follows after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection depends on the extension and severity of viral attacks in different cell types and organs. Despite the ridiculously large number of papers that have flooded scientific journals and preprinthosting websites, a clear clinical picture of COVID-19 aftermath is vague at best. Without larger prospective observational studies that are only now being started, clinicians can retrieve information just from case reports and or small studies. This is the time to understand how COVID-19 goes forward and what consequences survivors may expect to experience. To this aim, a multidisciplinary post-acute care service involving several specialists has been established at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS (Rome, Italy). Although COVID-19 is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lung, its multi-organ involvement requires an interdisciplinary approach encompassing virtually all branches of internal medicine and geriatrics. In particular, during the post-acute phase, the geriatrician may serve as the case manager of a multidisciplinary team. The aim of this article is to describe the importance of the interdisciplinary approach-coordinated by geriatrician-to cope the potential post-acute care needs of recovered COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTIONEradication of Helicobacter pylori is now the treatment of choice to cure peptic ulcers and prevent ulcer complications.1, 2 The ef®cacy of proton pump inhibitors in combination therapies to eradicate H. pylori infection has been clinically well documented in previous studies.3, 4 It mainly depends on the ability of proton pump inhibitors to suppress acid secretion and partially on a direct bactericidal activity against H. pylori.Since the adequate suppression of acid secretion is required for proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies, the ef®cacy of various proton pump inhibitors also has attracted signi®cant interest. Rabeprazole has a very potent antisecretory effect, 5,6 and it has a greater antibacterial effect than omeprazole or lansoprazole. 7±9In addition, rabeprazole 20 mg was shown to have a faster onset of antisecretory activity than omeprazole, 10 suggesting that it has an advantage when it is used in short-term eradication regimens. Although these ®nd-ings suggest that a rabeprazole-based regimen could achieve a high cure rate, there are as yet only a few

SUMMARYBackground: Helicobacter pylori eradication fails in about 10% of patients, particularly because of the occurrence of resistance to antibiotics and side-effects. During anti-H. pylori therapy, probiotics have been successfully used to reduce the incidence of sideeffects. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Bacillus clausii, a probiotic, on incidence (primary variable) and severity of antibiotic-associated side-effects during anti-H. pylori therapy.

The gut liver axis is an operative unit that works to protect the human body against potentially harmful substances and microorganisms, maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system. Liver cirrhosis profoundly alters this complex system. The intestine becomes more permeable allowing the translocation of bacteria, bacterial products and fragments into the portal circulation, triggering an abnormal local and systemic inflammatory response and a condition of perpetual immunologic alarm. This immune-inflammatory disorder related to dysbiosis is involved in the development of liver damage and liver cirrhosis complications and increases intestinal permeability in a vicious circle. Areas covered: The most relevant studies on bacterial translocation, the mechanism of intestinal barrier dysfunction and its consequences in patients with liver cirrhosis have been revised through a PubMed search. Data have been discussed with particular regard to their significance in clinical practice. Expert commentary: The assessment of bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability is not currently used in clinical practice but may be useful to stratify patients' prognosis.

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