In Vitro Assessment of the Hemocompatible Properties of Polymers

Summary: Based on the available data in the literature and personal results, a system of in vitro tests, consisting of two levels of selection, was proposed for assessment of hemocompatible properties of polymers. The first level consists of rapid methods for preliminary assessment (clotting time, hemolytic activity of the sample, and number of adhesive platelets). The second level involves methods for final selection and consists of measurement of the kinetics of the initial stages of adsorption of albumin, the degree of activation of the complement system, the intensity of radical oxidation of the lipid fraction of the blood, and the degree of platelet spreading. Comparative experimental assessment of these methods was conducted with a number of polymers and revealed the confidence limits for the application of each test and suggested quantitative criteria for selection.     

Screening-diagnosis of endotoxicosis in suppurative-inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity]

Information on the use of isolated lymphocytes for assessment of a severity degree of endotoxicosis in peritonitis, pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice is presented. It is possible to assess a severity degree of endotoxicosis by intensity of the external lymphocytic receptors block.     

Photo-hemo-correction in the complex treatment of patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower limbs

Based on the assessment of clinical efficiency of the intravascular and percutaneous photomodification of blood with a helium-neon laser in 170 patients the authors have shown that it is expedient to include the photohemocorrection in the medical programs for the I-III degree ischemia.     

Value of rheovasography and thermography in the diagnosis of varicose veins of the legs in the practice of expert evaluation of work capacity

The article deals with the problems of using such new modern diagnostic methods as rheography and thermography in objective assessment of the degree of functional disorders in patients with lower limb varicosis. The authors describe the examination method, the necessary apparatus, and the evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative parameters on the basis of the information obtain. The results of the examination provide the possibility to determine exactly the degree of chronic venous insufficiency, judge the condition of the valvar apparatus of the veins, appraise the compensatory possibilities of the vascular wall and the clinical prognosis, and consequently, to solve more objectively the questions of expert medical assessment of the working capacity.     

Inflammation of the lacrimal drainage system--assessment by thermography

Thermography is an investigative tool without side effects. To our knowledge thermography has not been evaluated in the assessment of lacrimal passage inflammation and obstruction. It can give an objective assessment of presence and degree of inflammation. An infrared scanning device was used to detect surface temperatures in 29 patients with known disorders of the lacrimal drainage passage. Thermal images were compared for bilateral symmetry and against the normal thermographic appearance of the face. Acute dacryocystitis and canaliculitis showed gross hyperthermia and asymmetry. Forty-two percent of patients with a picture of chronic dacryocystitis and 40% of patients with only tearing and no clinical evidence of inflammation showed temperature elevation on the side of involvement, whereas 58% and 60% of these respective groups showed symmetrical thermal patterns, suggesting no active inflammation. In a few cases there were discrepancies between clinical assessment and objective thermographic evaluation of the degree of inflammation. The implications of our results and possible applications of thermography are discussed.     

Determination of the degree of surgical risk in treating peptic gastrointestinal hemorrhages

Based on a complex analysis of case histories of 817 patients operated upon for ulcerous gastro-intestinal bleedings the authors have developed a system of the assessment of a degree of operative risk. High risk degree of the forthcoming surgery necessitates its shorter duration and less traumatic character as well as careful management of the patients in the nearest postoperative period.     

Assessment of the degree and control of the dynamics of endogenous intoxication in purulent-septic states in children

The problems of the assessment of the pronouncement and control of the dynamics of endogenous intoxication caused by the middle molecular mass peptides are considered. The criteria for assessment of the degree of endotoxemia by the quantity of the middle molecular mass peptides, toxicity of the serum, state of the insulin-depositing function of erythrocytes are given. The timely use of extracorporeal detoxication contributes to rapid cupping of the endogenous intoxication, favourable outcome of the disease.     

螺旋CT血管造影术前评估颈动脉狭窄程度的作用

探讨螺旋CT血管造影(SCTA)检查颈动脉狭窄的准确性,以及用SCTA代替减数血管造影(DSA)的可能性。方法:本组研究采用NASCET标准对照比较SCTA与DSA的颈动脉血管造影结果,并参考部分病例手术所见,以评估SCTA检查颈动脉狭窄的准确性。结果:本组29例颈动脉狭窄中,SCTA对照DSA的诊断总符合率为86.2％。其中严重狭窄组的相符率为100％。结论:SCTA不仅对颈动脉狭窄程度的诊断有很高的准确性和直观性,而且能够显示DSA难以发现的附壁钙化以及血栓,故有望取代DSA在颈动脉狭窄诊断中的地位。     

Role of uroflowmetry in the assessment of lower urinary tract obstruction in adult males.

A group of 173 prostatic patients were submitted to a prospective study to determine the respective value of symptoms, uroflowmetry, endoscopic and radiological findings in the assessment of the degree of urinary obstruction. Uroflowmetry proved to bring objective evidence of the degree of obstruction with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Maximum urinary flow appears to be more accurate than other flow parameters in the determination of lower urinary tract obstruction.     

Stress radiography in degenerative arthritis of the knee

The accurate assessment of compartmental involvement in degenerative arthritis of the knee is important when planning operative treatment. Standard radiographic techniques often fail to define the degree of involvement of the less affected tibiofemoral compartment. The use of stress radiography in the preoperative assessment of 30 knees with degenerative arthritis is described and the radiographic findings correlated with the changes found at arthrotomy.     

The use of masseter electromyography with electroneurography in the evaluation of facial paralysis

In the evaluation of facial paralysis, electroneurography provides a quantitative assessment of the degree of degeneration. Near the endpoint of degeneration, the facial musculature compound action potential may be contaminated by masseter artifact resulting from supramaximal stimulation. We propose the use of both masseter electromyography and electroneurography in the evaluation of advanced degeneration to better define the current level for supramaximal stimulation, to eliminate masseter artifact, and to more accurately assess the degree of facial nerve degeneration.     

Quantitative Analysis of Sclerotherapy Results by Using Digital Photography and a Computer Program

BACKGROUND: Despite different telangiectasia treatments in the lower limbs, there is no method standardization for results assessment, making comparison between the existing treatments conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To compare the assessment carried out by a group of specialists with the assessment carried out by a computer program, according to clearance degree of telangiectasias during treatment by sclerotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients (21 studied areas) with telangiectasias of thighs and popliteal fossa were assessed, with a mean age of 37.5 (21-59) years old, all female. The pre- and posttreatment photos were standardized as per distance, light exposure, and aperture time. The sclerotherapy sessions were performed with 75% glucose. The clearance degree of telangiectasias was judged by a group of six doctors and by a computer program that analyzed the initial and final photos. The results of such assessment were compared according to concordance and correlation. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the assessments carried out by the specialists and the assessments carried out by the computer program according to the sclerotherapy results. CONCLUSION: The assessment carried out by the computer program was equivalent to the assessment carried out by the specialists in the judgment of clearance degree of telangiectasias of the lower limbs.     

Syndrome of enteric insufficiency in patients with diffuse peritonitis: evaluation of the severity and outcome of the process

The authors have developed a method of assessment of the degree of the enteral insufficiency syndrome (EIS). The method was used in 2006 peritonitis patients on the basis of 42 clinical-laboratory indices expressed by 10 score scale. A formula for establishing the coefficient of EIS is proposed in cases of the absence of all the indices, the average intervals of its possible degrees are shown. An express formula was developed for the calculation of the prognostic coefficient and its degree intervals. Randomization in the approaches to diagnosis and treatment allowed lethality to be reduced from 26.9% to 12.9%, the frequency of complications--from 12.7% to 7.2%.     

Radiographic assessment of acetabular cup orientation. A new design concept

An acetabular cup with a 270 degree rim wire has been designed to assist in the radiographic assessment of acetabular cup orientation in total hip arthroplasty. A study was conducted analyzing the component in various positions of lateral opening and version with three different X-ray-beam centering positions. The 270 degree acetabular rim wire allowed for easy and accurate assessment of component orientation when the pelvis was level and the central ray of the X-ray beam was centered over the hip.     

直肠癌直肠系膜浸润程度的术前螺旋CT与术后病理对照研究

目的 结合大组织切片技术,评价螺旋CT预测直肠癌直肠系膜浸润程度和环周切缘状态的价值.方法 对2007年3月至12月经纤维结肠镜及病理证实的直肠癌患者57例术前行64层螺旋CT增强扫描,预测直肠系膜浸润程度和环周切缘状态.全直肠系膜切除术后,利用大组织切片技术观察直肠系膜浸润程度和环周切缘状态,并与CT预测结果比较.计算螺旋CT预测直肠系膜浸润程度和环周切缘状态的准确率、敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值和阴性预测值.结果 肿瘤按直肠系膜浸润深度分级为Ⅰ度、Ⅱ度、Ⅲ度;螺旋CT预测系膜浸润程度总准确率为93.0%(53/57),其中Ⅰ度、Ⅱ度、Ⅲ度预测准确率分别为94.7%、94.7%、96.5%,与术后病理结果之间有较好的一致性(K=0.89,P<0.01).螺旋CT预测直肠癌环周切缘状态准确率93.0%(53/57),敏感度80.0%(12/15),特异度97.6%(41/42),阳性预测值92.3%(12/13),阴性预测值93.2%(41/44),与术后病理结果之间有较好的一致性(κ=0.76,P<0.05).结论 螺旋CT可准确预测直肠癌直肠系膜浸润程度和环周切缘状态.可作为术前影像学评估的常规手段.     

Functional and radiological assessment of the hip joint after Perthes disease]

Basing a group of 33 patients treat conservatively because of Perthes disease some aspects of functional and radiological assessment of the hip joints is presented. Functional assessment was performed according to the authors' own scale. Radiological assessment was performed basing on Heyman-Herndon method, Klisica method and the authors' own head-trochanter factor and head radius assessment. A comparison of the obtained results was performed, and the clinical usefulness of the authors own head-trochanter and head radius was assessed. The head-trochanter factor correlated to the Heyman-Herndon method allowing assessment of the proximal epiphysis and physis of the femur, while the head radius factor correlated to the Klisica method and allows the assessment of head sphericity, head size and the degree of lateral subluxation of the head.     

The Basic Symptom Inventory-53 and its use in the management of patients with psychogenic dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: To identify an accurate psychological screening questionnaire to assist in the management of patients with psychogenic dizziness. STUDY DESIGN: Patients referred to the Balance Center of the University of Pennsylvania with a presumptive diagnosis of psychogenic dizziness based on neurotologic assessment were administered a Basic Symptom Inventory-53 (BSI-53) psychological screening questionnaire and were referred for psychiatric assessment. Neither the patients nor the psychiatrist were aware of the results of the BSI-53. The results of the neurotologic assessment, the BSI-53, and the psychiatric assessment were then compared for their degree of association. RESULTS: Strong associations were demonstrated between the results of the BSI-53 questionnaire and the results of the neurotologic and psychiatric assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The BSI-53 is an easily administered, objective, and accurate tool useful in identifying the presence of psychopathology in patients thought to have psychogenic dizziness. It is recommended as a valuable addition to the battery of tests performed when evaluating the dizzy patient.     

Characteristics of angiohepatography using an oily contrast medium in the diagnosis of hepatic echinococcosis

A comparative assessment of different methods of angiography for diagnostics of echinococcosis of the liver is given. Conditions of prolonged contrast of vessels and parenchyma of the organ were created by splenoportography and arteriography of the liver with maiodyl which allows to determine the presence and degree of morphofunctional changes and spread of the pathological process in echinococcosis of the liver.     

Rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder

Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the shoulder region is a progressive disorder that results in pain, loss of range of motion, and functional disability. The inflammatory response, which is of unknown etiology, results in synovitis, pannus formation, and articular destruction. Even when patient history and physical examination suggest rheumatoid involvement of the shoulder, laboratory assessment and radiographic evaluation often are necessary to establish the diagnosis. Nonsurgical management is the primary treatment, including pharmacologic and physical therapy regimens for patients with mild symptoms and functional disability. Surgical intervention is indicated in patients with significant pain and functional limitation when nonsurgical treatment fails to provide relief. The procedure selected depends on careful assessment of the degree of articular cartilage injury and compromise of the periarticular soft tissues.     

Quantitative immunomorphological criteria in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases

Quantitative assessment of the degree of pronouncement of lymphoid infiltration in the micropreparations of the thyroid gland (TG) allows to define the index of lymphoid infiltration according to which autoimmune reactions and autoimmune diseases can be differentiated. Similar reaction of stroma in cancer, nodular and mixed euthyroid, goiter and TG adenoma permits to consider the patients with nodular goiter as a group of risk for the development of cancer.