Survivin蛋白在肝门部胆管癌中的表达及其与p53相关性的研究

目的：检测肝门部胆管癌中凋亡抑制因子Survivin蛋白的表达，研究其与肝门部胆管癌的临床特征的关系，并探讨其与p53的相关性。方法：采用免疫组织化学方法检测86例肝门部胆管癌组织、10例癌旁组织（距肿瘤边缘约1．0cm）及10例正常胆管组织中Survivin蛋白和p53蛋白的表达，结合临床病理学资料进行统计学分析。结果：86例肝门部胆管癌组织中，Survivin蛋白阳性率为82．6％（71／86），p53蛋白阳性率为76．7％（66，86），Survivin与p53在癌旁组织和正常胆管组织中均呈阴性表达，与癌组织相比差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）；Survivin表达与肝门部胆管癌病理分级、Bismuth分型、患者的性别及年龄和肿瘤大小均无关（P〉0．05），但淋巴结转移阳性组Survivin蛋白表达水平明显高于淋巴结转移阴性组，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）；p53蛋白在肝门部胆管癌中与肿瘤组织病理分级、淋巴结有无转移相关（P〈0．05），与其他病理学特征无关（P〉O．05）。71例Survivin阳性表达者中同时表达p53阳性者58例，15例阴性表达者中表达p53阳性者8例，两者差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：肝门部胆管癌组织中Survivin和p53的表达显著高于癌旁组织和正常胆管组织，其在肝门部胆管癌的发展、转移过程中可能具有重要作用。     

RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白在肝内胆管癌中的表达及临床意义

目的:探讨RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白在肝内胆管癌(ICC)组织中的表达及临床意义。方法:用免疫组化法检测41例ICC组织及9例正常胆管组织中RCAS1/EBAG9和P53蛋白的表达,分析RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白的表达与ICC患者的临床病理因素和预后的关系。结果:RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白在ICC组织中阳性率均明显高于与正常胆管组织(均P0.05);RCAS1/EBAG9蛋白表达与肿瘤大小、病理分级、TNM分期以及淋巴结转移有关(均P0.05),而P53蛋白表达与肿瘤大小、病理分级以及TNM分期有关(均P0.05)。ICC中RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白表达正相关(r=0.329,P=0.018)。RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白阴性表达患者术后总生存期明显长于RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白阳性表达患者(χ~2=3.862,P=0.049;χ~2=4.977,P=0.026)。单因素与多因素Cox回归分析表明,RCAS1/EBAG9蛋白表达是ICC患者预后的独立危险因素(HR=3.657,95%CI=1.111～12.040,P=0.033)。结论:RCAS1/EBAG9与P53蛋白在ICC组织中表达增加,并且与ICC患者不良临床病理特征及预后密切相关,其中RCAS1/EBAG9可能起了关键作用。     

凋亡相关基因p53和PDCD5表达水平对结肠癌的分级和预后影响

目的考察凋亡相关基因p53和程序化死亡基因5(PDCD5)表达水平对结肠癌的分级和预后影响。方法采用免疫组织化学检测60例结肠癌组织、60例癌旁组织和30例正常组织中p53和PDCD5蛋白表达水平,并比较其表达水平和结肠癌分级、预后等病理参数关系。应用SPSS 20.0软件包进行数据分析,p53、PDCD5与结肠癌病理因素之间的分析应用χ~2检验。p53和PDCD5之间的相关性检验采用Spearman相关分析。以P0.05为检验标准。结果 p53表达率:分化程度越高的患者组织中表达越低(χ~2=8.695,P0.05);预后生存期33个月的患者组织p53表达率为66.7%,≥33个月的患者组织为30.0%,生存期越长的患者组织p53表达率越低(χ~2=8.076,P0.05)。PDCD5表达率:分化程度越高的组织表达率越高(χ~2=6.906,P0.05);有淋巴转移的患者组织中为8.3%,无淋巴转移的患者组织中为33.3%,(χ~2=5.031,P0.05);预后生存期33个月的患者组织中为10.0%,≥33个月的患者组织中为36.7%,生存期越长的患者组织PDCD5表达率越高(χ~2=5.963,P0.05)。以上比较差异具有统计学意义。p53和PDCD5表达水平负相关(r=-0.297,P0.05)。结论凋亡相关基因p53和PDCD5参与到了结肠癌的分级并因此影响了患者的预后。     

Snail在肝内胆管癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的:探讨Snail在肝内胆管癌组织中的表达及其与患者临床病理特征和生存预后的关系。方法:回顾性分析1999年12月—2010年1月外科手术治疗的55例肝内胆管癌病例及随访资料,免疫组织化学检测上述患者癌组织及癌旁组织标本中Snail的表达情况,分析Snail表达与临床病例资料、病理特征及预后的关系。结果:肿瘤组织中Snail表达量(2.764 vs.0.914)与高表达率(48.6%vs.18.0%)均明显高于癌旁组织(均P0.05),且Snail表达与肿瘤分化(χ~2=4.231,P=0.040)、TNM分期(χ~2=6.631,P=0.010)、淋巴结转移(χ~2=4.134,P=0.042)、微血管侵犯(χ~2=10.197,P=0.001)以及复发(χ~2=4.610,P=0.032)有关,与Snail低表达患者比较,Snail高表达患者总体生存率降低(P=0.018)、术后累计复发率升高(P=0.032)。单因素分析与多因素Cox回归模型分析结果示,微血管侵犯、淋巴结转移以及Snail表达是肝内胆管癌患者预后的独立影响因素(均P0.05)。结论:Snail在肝内胆管癌组织中表达增加,且Snail过表达与肝内胆管癌患者恶性病理特征及不良预后密切相关。     

血管内皮生长因子C和微淋巴管密度与胆管癌淋巴结转移及预后的关系

目的:探讨胆管癌组织中血管内皮生长因子C(VEGF-C)的表达及微淋巴管密度(MLVD)与胆管癌临床病理特征及预后的关系。方法:应用免疫组化法分别检测47例胆管癌、40例近癌的非癌胆管及15例正常肝外胆管组织中VEGF-C的表达和D2-40标记的MLVD。分析两者间的相关性,及其与临床病理特征和预后的关系。结果:胆管癌组织中VEGF-C的阳性表达率明显高于近癌的非癌胆管和正常胆管组织(均P<0.05),胆管癌和近癌的非癌胆管组织中MLVD明显高于正常胆管组织(均P<0.05);VEGF-C的表达以及MLVD与胆管癌浸润深度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移密切相关(P<0.05),且MLVD还与胆管癌分化程度有关(P<0.05);VEGF-C阳性胆管癌组织MLVD明显大于其阴性胆管癌组织(P<0.05),且VEFG-C表达与MLVD呈正相关(r=0.615,P<0.05);VEFG-C阴性表达患者预后明显优于其阳性表达患者,复发者胆管癌组织中的MLVD明显高于无复发者(P<0.05),且MLVD与患者生存期呈负相关(r=-0.542,P<0.05)。结论:VEGF-C的表达和MLVD与管癌淋巴结转移、预后密切相关,VEGF-C可能是预测胆管癌淋巴结转移的有效指标之一。     

FXYD6在肝门胆管癌中的表达及临床意义

目的检测FXYD6蛋白在肝门胆管癌及相应癌旁远端正常胆管组织中的表达并分析其临床意义。方法应用免疫组织化学链酶亲和素-生物素-过氧化物酶复合物(SABC)法检测58例肝门胆管癌和30例远端正常胆管组织中FXYD6蛋白的表达,分析FXYD6蛋白表达与肝门胆管癌患者临床病理特征的关系。结果 FXYD6蛋白在肝门胆管癌组织中的表达阳性率明显高于其在癌旁远端正常肝门胆管组织中的表达阳性率,差异有统计学意义〔75.9%(44/58)比33.3%(10/30),χ~2=15.084,P=0.000〕。FXYD6蛋白在高、中分化肝门胆管癌组织中的表达阳性率明显高于其在低分化肝门胆管癌组织中的表达阳性率〔85.4%(35/41)比52.9%(9/17),χ~2=5.243,P=0.022〕,而FXYD6蛋白表达与肝门胆管癌患者的性别(χ~2=0.000,P=1.000)、年龄(χ~2=1.248,P=0.264)、T分期(χ~2=0.466,P=0.495)、淋巴结转移(χ~2=0.357,P=0.550)、病理分期(χ~2=0.005,P=0.944)及神经浸润(χ~2=3.016,P=0.082)均无关。结论 FXYD6在肝门胆管癌组织中的蛋白表达与其分化程度有关,其可能作为肝门胆管癌的一种新型肿瘤生物标志物。     

核仁纺锤体相关蛋白1在胆管癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的:探讨胆管癌组织中核仁纺锤体相关蛋白1(Nusap1)的表达及临床意义。方法:通过GEPIA数据库分析Nusap1mRNA在胆管癌组织及正常胆管组织中的表达情况;用免疫组化技术检测61例配对的胆管癌及癌旁组织中Nusap1蛋白表达水平,分析其与胆管癌患者临床参数、总生存期的关系。结果:GEPIA数据库分析显示,与正常组织比较,Nusap1mRNA在胆管癌组织中高表达(P0.05);免疫组化结果显示,胆管癌组织中Nusap1的阳性表达率明显高于对应癌旁组织(47.5%vs.14.8%,P0.01);且其表达水平与患者临床TNM分期(P=0.001)、淋巴结转移(P=0.011)及术后生存状态(P=0.010)明显有关;Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,Nusap1蛋白阳性患者术后中位生存时间为23个月,阴性患者术后中位生存时间为45个月,前者术后生存时间明显短于后者(P=0.000)。结论:Nusap1在胆管癌中高表达,并与胆管癌进展和不良预后密切相关,有望成为胆管癌的预后指标和治疗的潜在靶点。     

Maspin在甲状腺癌中的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨Maspin蛋白在甲状腺癌中的表达和临床意义.方法 应用免疫组织化学法SP法检测甲状腺癌组织和甲状腺良性组织中Maspin蛋白和p53蛋白的表达情况,并结合相关病理资料和随访资料进行分析.结果 Maspin蛋白在甲状腺癌中阳性表达率为48.5%,而在甲状腺良性病变和正常甲状腺组织中均不表达,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).Maspin蛋白表达与甲状腺癌的病理类型(P=0.024)、UICC分期(P=0.006)以及淋巴结转移(P=0.044)有关,但与甲状腺癌患者术后生存率无关(P=0.142).甲状腺癌中Maspin与p53蛋白表达存在着负相关性(r=-0.606,P＜0.001).结论 甲状腺癌中Maspin蛋白呈高表达且与肿瘤浸润、转移密切相关,有望成为治疗甲状腺癌新的靶点.     

HER-2/neu蛋白表达与胃癌临床病理特征及预后关系的研究

探讨胃癌组织中人表皮生长因子受体(HER)-2/neu蛋白的表达与患者临床病理特征及预后的关系。选取本院肿瘤科收治的98例胃癌确诊患者肿瘤组织标本及40例患者癌旁组织行免疫组化染色,观察两种组织标本中HER-2/neu蛋白表达情况,并分析其与胃癌患者临床病理特征和预后的关系。胃癌组织中HER-2/neu蛋白阳性表达率显著高于癌旁组织(38.78%比0,P0.05)。胃癌组织中HER-2/neu蛋白阳性表达主要与肿瘤淋巴结转移、远处转移、浸润深度、TNM分期、Lauren分型有关(P0.05)。HER-2/neu蛋白阴性表达患者的3年生存率显著高于阳性表达患者(58.33%比28.95%,χ~2=8.066,P0.05)。胃癌组织HER-2/neu蛋白阳性表达患者的中位生存时间显著低于阴性表达患者(17.9个月比28.6个月,χ~2=10.565,P0.05)。胃癌组织中HER-2/neu蛋白的表达与患者临床病理特征及远期预后密切相关。     

Survivin蛋白在肝外胆管癌组织中的表达及其与预后的关系

目的 观察Survivin蛋白在肝外胆管癌组织中的表达,探讨Survivin蛋白表达水平与肝外胆管癌临床病理特征的相关性,研究Survivin蛋白表达与肝外胆管癌预后的关系.方法 采用免疫组化法检测59例肝外胆管癌组织和相应的20例癌旁组织中Survivin蛋白的表达,分析肝外胆管癌组织中Survivin蛋白的表达水平与患者临床病理特征、淋巴结转移的关系及其与预后的关系.结果 肝外胆管癌组织Survivin蛋白表达阳性率为67.8%(40/59),而癌旁组织为20.O%(4/20),二者有明显差别(P<0.01).Survivin蛋白表达水平与分化程度呈负相关(P<0.01),与TNM分期、淋巴管浸润、神经浸润和淋巴结转移旱正相关(P<0.05).Survivin蛋白表达阳性组血清CA19-9的水平为(290 300±55 500)U/L,阴性组为(113 300±31 400)U/L,Survivin蛋白阳性表达组高于阴性表达组(P<0.05).Survivin蛋白表达阴性组和阳性组平均生存期分别为43.5个月和21.1个月,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).多因素生存分析结果显示,Survivin蛋白、癌残留及淋巴结转移是肝外胆管癌独立的预后因素(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.01).结论 Survivin蛋白表达水平与分化程度呈负相关,与淋巴浸润和血清CA19-9浓度呈正相关.Survivin蛋白表达水平为肝外胆管癌根治术后独立的预后因素.     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.