Analysis of adipose tissue immune gene expression after vaccination of rainbow trout with adjuvanted bacterins reveals an association with side effects

Most existing fish vaccines are presented in the form of oil-based emulsions delivered by intraperitoneal injection. Whilst very effective they are frequently associated with inflammatory responses that can result in clinically significant side-effects often involving the adipose tissue that is in direct contact with the vaccine. To explore the potential of immune gene expression changes in the adipose tissue of fish to be markers of vaccination efficacy or development of side-effects we have studied the response to a bacterial (Aeromonas salmonicida) vaccine administered with two different adjuvants. The first adjuvant was Montanide™ ISA 763A VG, thought to induce a mostly humoral response, and the second was Montanide™ ISA 761 VG that gives a more balanced humoral and cell mediated response. Following vaccination tissue samples were collected at days 3, 14 and 28 for RTqPCR analysis. Fifty immune genes were studied with a focus on a) pro-inflammatory associated molecules and b) adaptive immune response related molecules linked with possible Th1, Th2, Th17 and T-regulatory pathways, with the expression data analysed for associations with Speilberg post-vaccination side effect scores. The results showed that the adipose tissue is a particularly sensitive and discriminatory tissue for studying adjuvant effects. A clear upregulation of many immune genes occurred in response to both vaccine groups, which persisted over time and overlapped with the appearance of visible adhesions. Our analysis revealed a relationship between adipose tissue immune function and the development of vaccine-induced adhesions giving the potential to use immune gene expression profiling in this tissue to predict the side-effects seen.     

Peritonitis esclerosante encapsulante: hallazgos en imágenes de una entidad poco frecuente

ObjectivesTo describe the most characteristic imaging findings for sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, with an emphasis on the computed tomography findings.ConclusionThe incidence of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is low. The pathophysiology of this condition is unclear. Two types are recognized: idiopathic and secondary; the secondary type is generally a complication of peritoneal dialysis. Its nonspecific clinical presentation and the absence of blood markers mean that sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is usually diagnosed late. Thus, it is important to know the imaging signs; these include thickening and calcification of the peritoneum and dilation of bowel loops with thickening and calcification of bowel walls, whether in isolation or in association with loculated ascites. Although ultrasonography allows the complexity of the collections to be evaluated, computed tomography is the most useful technique for the general assessment of the signs mentioned above.     

Does Prior Abdominal Surgery Influence Conversion Rates and Outcomes of Laparoscopic Right Colectomy in Patients with Neoplasia?

Purpose  The study investigated the impact of prior abdominal surgery on conversions and outcomes of laparoscopic right colectomy. Methods  A consecutive series of 414 patients with cancer or adenomas who underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy from March 1996 to November 2006 were studied for surgical conversions and outcomes. Conversion was defined as an incision length > 7 cm. Results  Patients with prior abdominal surgery (n = 191) were compared with patients with no prior abdominal surgery (n = 223), and showed no significant differences in age, ASA classification, length of stay, operative time, blood loss, harvested nodes, tumor size, and specimen length. Significantly more wound infections occurred in the prior abdominal surgery group (22 vs.12, P = 0.023). Body mass index > 30 showed a three-fold increased risk of conversion. Fifteen percent of the no prior abdominal surgery patients and 17 percent of the prior abdominal surgery patients were converted (P > 0.05). Conversion was associated with a longer mean length of stay (8.8 days) relative to laparoscopically completed cases (6.3 days) regardless of prior abdominal surgery history (P < 0.0001). Conclusions  Laparoscopic right colectomy for neoplasia was not associated with a higher conversion rate or morbidity in patients with prior abdominal surgery. Prior abdominal surgery is not a contraindication to laparoscopic right colectomy. Presented at the 15th International Congress of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery, Athens, Greece, July 4 to 7, 2007.     

The Predictive Factors for the Necessity of Operative Treatment in Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction Cases

Background: The timely diagnosis of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) can frequently be a clinical dilemma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive factors for the necessity of operative treatment in adhesive SBO cases.

Method: The records of hospitalized adhesive SBO patients at Dicle University Hospital (DUH) between January 1998 and December 2001 were prospectively reviewed. The patients divided into two groups as a non-operative group (NOG) and an operative group (OG). The epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features were evaluated as probable predictive factors for the timing of the surgical treatment. Predictive factors associated with the timing of the surgical treatment were determined using logistic regression models.

Results: A total of 180 patients [131(72.8%) male, 49(27.2%) female] with SBO were included in this study. One hundred and twenty patients (66.7%) were diagnosed with SBO and treated medically at the hospital. Sixty patients (33.3%) were diagnosed with SBO and underwent surgery. In univariate analyses, age (P = 0.008), length of period of symptoms (P < 0.001), high fever (P < 0.001), tachicardia (P < 0.001), tachypnea (P < 0.001), intractable pain (P < 0.001), hypo-active bowel sounds (P < 0.001), presence of rebound tenderness (P < 0.001), the persisting air-fluid levels in serial the plain abdominal radiographs (P < 0.001), leukocytosis (P < 0.001) and elevated CRP (P < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the predictive factors for the timing of operative treatment. In multivariate analyses, the presence of rebound tenderness [Odds Ratio (OR) = 57, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 3.5–922.4, p = 0.004], the persisting air-fluid levels (OR = 29, CI = 1.8–466.4, p = 0.018) were found significantly important as the predictive factors for the timing of operation.

Conclusion: Presence of rebound tenderness and the persisting air-fluid levels at admission or in hospital should be considered as predictive factors for the timing of an operation in adhesive SBO cases.     

Ventralight ST and SorbaFix Versus Physiomesh and Securestrap in a Porcine Model

Background and Objectives:

The objective of this study was to compare mesh contracture, adhesion characteristics, tissue ingrowth, and histologic response of Ventralight ST/SorbaFix (C.R. Bard/Davol, Warwick, RI, USA) with Physiomesh/Securestrap (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in a porcine model of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Methods:

Standard laparoscopic technique was used to bilaterally implant meshes in 10 female Yorkshire swine. Each animal received either two Ventralight ST meshes (oval shaped, 10.2 × 15.2 cm) or two Physiomesh meshes (oval shaped 10 × 15 cm), one on either side of the midline. The meshes were fixated to the intact peritoneum with either SorbaFix (for animals receiving Ventralight ST) or Securestrap (for animals receiving Physiomesh). There were 5 animals in each group, yielding 10 of each mesh-fixation combination. Mesh contracture, adhesion characteristics, tissue ingrowth, and histologic response were evaluated after 14 days by image analysis, mechanical testing, and histologic staining (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, and von Willebrand factor).

Results:

Ventralight ST/SorbaFix and Physiomesh/Securestrap exhibited a similar percentage of mesh contracture, percentage of adhesion coverage, adhesion tenacity, collagen deposition, and levels of necrosis (P > .05 in all cases). However, Ventralight ST/SorbaFix exhibited significantly less inflammation (P = .0001), fibrosis (P = .0017), hemorrhage (P = .0001), and angiogenesis (P = .0032) and significantly greater strength of tissue ingrowth (P = .0003) than Physiomesh/Securestrap after the 14-day implantation period.

Conclusions:

Ventralight ST/SorbaFix exhibited more favorable strength of tissue ingrowth and histologic response and similar mesh contracture and adhesion characteristics compared with Physiomesh/Securestrap over a short-term 14-day implantation period in a preclinical porcine model.     

Effect of soft tissue mobilization techniques on adhesion-related pain and function in the abdomen: A systematic review

ObjectiveTo systematically review the effects of soft tissue mobilization (STM) on both surgical and non-surgical abdominal adhesion-related symptoms.Study designSystematic Review.BackgroundIt is known that abdominal adhesions can cause a variety of symptoms with one of the most common being abdominal pain. To date, there is no known systematic review that documents the effects of STM on adhesion-related abdominal symptoms.Methods and measuresA systematic review of literature was indexed in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, OVID, and EBSCO. The quality of the studies was assessed using the MINORS scale.ResultsNine studies satisfied the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The studies' population age ranged from 10.7 to 89.4 years. Four articles were nonrandomized and had scores ranging from 3 to 14 out of 16 total on the MINORS scale. Five articles were randomized controlled trials or comparative studies and scores ranged from 16 to 23 out of 24 total on the MINORS scale. There were five articles that used pain as an objective measure and all of them reported a decrease in pain after treatment. Two studies looked at quality of life and function and both saw objective improvements following abdominal adhesion treatment. Collectively, there were also improvements seen in scar mobility, infertility, posture, a reduction in medication, increased pressure tolerance and decreased postoperative ileus.ConclusionThe results of this review indicate preliminary strong evidence for the benefits of STM on symptoms relating to acute post-surgical adhesions, preliminary moderate evidence for the benefits of STM on symptoms relating to chronic non-surgical related adhesions (fertility and SBO) and moderate evidence for the benefits of STM on symptoms relating to chronic post-surgical adhesions.     

Evaluation of anastomotic strength and drug safety after short-term sunitinib administration in rabbits

Background

Sunitinib (Sutent) is a Food and Drug Administration–approved receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor found to reduce postoperative adhesion formation in animal models. The objective of the present study was to evaluate anastomotic healing and potential drug-related toxicities after short-term sunitinib administration in New Zealand White rabbits.

Materials and methods

Under an approved study protocol, 40 rabbits underwent a laparotomy followed by colonic transection and anastomosis. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment with oral sunitinib (10 mg/kg/d) or placebo, received one preoperative dose followed by 10 postoperative doses, and were divided into two groups following the procedure: group I animals were euthanized on completion of drug treatment and group II animals were euthanized 30 d after completion of treatment. Prior to study completion, animals underwent an echocardiogram and laboratory test results were obtained. At necropsy, intestinal bursting strength (in mmHg) was evaluated.

Results

All animals survived until designated euthanasia. There was no evidence of intra-abdominal sepsis or intestinal obstruction. Sunitinib-treated animals were found to have lower intestinal anastomotic strength compared with placebo-treated animals, as measured by bursting pressure at euthanasia, and a greater percentage of bursting at the anastomosis. On echocardiography, all ejection and shortening fractions were within established normal reference values. There were no significant differences in liver enzymes between animals. There were no wound infections, dehiscence, or delayed wound healing in any animal.

Conclusions

These results caution against the administration of sunitinib in cases involving intestinal anastomoses because of the elevated risk of anastomotic leak. No evidence of cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, or detrimental effect on wound healing was found in any animal.     

Morbidity related to concomitant adhesions in abdominal surgery

Background

We sought to assess the independent effect of concomitant adhesions (CAs) on patient outcome in abdominal surgery.

Materials and methods

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data, we created a uniform data set of all gastrectomies, enterectomies, hepatectomies, and pancreatectomies performed between 2007 and 2012 at our tertiary academic center. American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data were supplemented with additional variables (e.g., procedure complexity–relative value unit). The presence of CAs was detected using the Current Procedural Terminology codes for adhesiolysis (44005, 44180, 50715, 58660, and 58740). Cases where adhesiolysis was the primary procedure (e.g., bowel obstruction) were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the independent effect of CAs on 30-d morbidity and mortality, while controlling for age, comorbidities and the type/complexity/approach/emergency nature of surgery.

Results

Adhesiolysis was performed in 875 of 5940 operations (14.7%). Operations with CAs were longer (median duration 3.2 versus 2.7 h, P < 0.001), more complex (median relative value unit 37.5 versus 33.4, P < 0.001), performed in sicker patients (American Society for Anesthesiologists class ≥3 in 49.9% versus 41.2%, P < 0.001), and harbored higher risk for inadvertent enterotomies (3.0% versus 0.9%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, CAs independently predicted higher morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.61, P = 0.001). Specifically, CAs independently correlated with superficial and deep or organ-space surgical site infections (OR = 1.42 (1.02–1.86), P = 0.036; OR = 1.47 (1.09–1.99), P = 0.013, respectively), and prolonged postoperative hospital stay (≥7 d, OR = 1.34 [1.11–1.61], P = 0.002). No difference in 30-d mortality was detected.

Conclusions

CAs significantly increase morbidity in abdominal surgery. Risk adjusting for the presence of adhesions is crucial in any efforts aimed at quality assessment and/or benchmarking of abdominal surgery.     

Routine nasal packing follwoing nasal surgery—Is it necessary?

The practice of routine nasal packing after nasal surgery is usually customary and not evidence based. Post operative complications, while uncoumon, are sometimes pack related. A retrospective analysis of 110 patients who underwent a variety of nasal operations was performed to determine the incidence of complications when nasal packs were not routinely inserted 9 cases (8.2%) [6 out of these were revision surgeries] needed nasal packing for haemostasis at the end of surgery. 4 cases (3.6%) required to be packed in the immediate post operative period. One patient who required nasal packing developed a unilateral adhesion. No patient developed septal hematoma. The need for routine nasal packing is not supported. Packing should be indicated where there continuous bleeding at     

重复剖宫产对妊娠结局的影响

目的 探讨重复剖宫产对孕产妇及围产儿结局的影响.方法 回顾性分析1998年1月1日至2007年12月31日,在北京协和医院妊娠超过28周行再(多)次剖宫产手术分娩的产妇共412例,根据剖官产次数分为再次剖宫产组(repeated caesarean section group,RCS组,394例)和多次剖宫产组(multiple caesarean section group,MCS组,18例),随机选取同期行初次剖宫产手术分娩的480例为初次剖宫产组(first caesarean section group,FCS组)作为对照,分析三组孕妇的一般临床资料、产时产后并发症及围产儿结局.结果 近十年我院再次剖官产率为4.1%,呈逐年上升趋势.(1)一般临床资料比较:RCS组及MCS组平均年龄分别为(33.7±4.3)岁,(34.5±5.1)岁,大于FCS组(31.5±4.3)岁(P<0.05).RCS组及MCS组平均孕次分别为(3.5±1.4)次,(4.7±1.5)次,多于FCS组(2.1±1.2)次(P<0.05).(2)盆腔粘连发生率:RCS组及MCS组分别为13.5%和50.0%,高于FCS组(0.4%)(P<0.05).(3)子宫破裂发生率:RCS组(1%)高于FCS组(0%)(P<0.05).(4)RCS组及MCS组平均分娩孕周分别为(38.1±1.8)周,(37.3±2.5)周,与FCS组[(38.9±2.1)周]比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 再 (多)次剖宫产发生率逐年上升,其显著增加盆腔粘连及子官破裂的发生率,但并不增加围产儿并发症的发生率.