Circulating prostaglandin E2: a novel potential prognostic biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Medicine - We aimed to explore the activation of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) axis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),...     

A Paradigm Shift for Torsional Stiffness of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments: A Finite Element Analysis

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of mass and the polar moment of inertia on the torsional behavior of nickel-titanium rotary instruments to understand which parameter of cross-sectional design had a key role in terms of torsional resistance.MethodsFour different instrument models were designed and meshed using computer-aided engineering software (SolidWorks; Dassault Systems, Waltham, MA). Instrument models shared the same characteristics, except for cross-sectional design; triangle, rectangle, square, and hollow square geometry was selected. Finite element analysis was performed simulating a static torsional test using the FEEPlus internal solver (Solid Works). Von Mises stress and torsional load at fracture were calculated by the software. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship of the polar moment of inertia, cross-sectional area, inner core radius, and mass per volume on the torsional resistance of nickel-titanium rotary instruments.ResultsThe polar moment of inertia positively affected the maximum torsional load with the highest level of correlation (R² = 0.917). It could be stated that the higher the polar moment of inertia is, the more maximum torsional load at fracture is present. Mass and cross-sectional area had a lower level of correlation compared with the polar moment of inertia (R² = 0.5533). According to this, 2 instruments with the same mass/mm and/or cross-sectional area could have different torsional resistance.ConclusionsThe polar moment of inertia can be considered as the most important cross-sectional factor in determining the torsional resistance of rotary instruments over metal mass and cross-sectional area.     

Profiling celiac disease antibody repertoire

The aim of this study was to dissect the autoantibody response in celiac disease (CD) that remains largely unknown, with the goal of identifying the disease-specific autoantigenic protein pattern or the so called epitome. Sera from CD patients were used to select immunoreactive antigens from a cDNA phage-display library. Candidate genes were identified, the corresponding proteins produced and their immunoreactivity validated with sera from CD patients and controls. Thirteen CD-specific antigens were identified and further validated by protein microarray. The specificity for 6 of these antigens was confirmed by ELISA. Furthermore we showed that this antibody response was not abolished on a gluten free diet and was not shared with other autoimmune diseases. These antigens appear to be CD specific and independent of gluten induction. The utility of this panel extends beyond its diagnostic value and it may drive the attention to new targets for unbiased screens in autoimmunity research.     

Atrial fibrillation with left bundle branch block and intermittent right axis deviation during acute myocardial infarction

A survey of the litterature was made to precise the characteristics of infectious endocarditis (IE) in the elderly as defined by the diagnostic criteria of Von Reyn. The IE presents at times with a fallacious symptomatology where fever and cardiac bruit are often lacking. With regard to the cardiac disease, there is an increase in the incidence of calcifying degenerative valvulopathy responsible for IE. On the bacteriological point of view, streptococcal infections are still predominent in etiologgy for endocarditis but opportunistic infections dues to other bacterial species are increasing in frequency. Lastly, on the therapeutical side, there is a new trend to reduce the proeminence of curative treatment with aminoglycoside agents in favor of the antibiotic prophylaxis.

Albumin administration prevents the onset of pressure ulcers in intensive care unit patients

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common problem in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) and they account for more than 70% of patients with low serum albumin at admission. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of intravenous administration of albumin in patients with low serum albumin < 3·3 g/dl. In a 1‐year period, a total of 73 patients were admitted to the ICU (males 45, 61·64% and females 28, 38·36%); of these, 21 patients were admitted with hypoalbuminaemia (serum albumin < 3·3 g/dl) and randomised into two groups: 11 patients were treated with 25 g intravenous albumin for the first 3 days within the first week of ICU stay (group A) and 10 patients did not receive albumin (group B). Three patients (27·27%) showed the onset of PUs in group A, whereas seven patients (70%) showed the onset of PUs within the first 7 days of stay in group B. Moreover, ulcers of group B were more severe than those of group A. This study shows that intravenous administration of albumin reduces the onset of PUs in patients admitted to the ICU and in some cases it also reduces the risk of progression to advanced stages of PUs.