Atraumatic Pulsatile Leukocyte Circulation for Long‐Term In Vitro Dynamic Culture and Adhesion Assays

Low flow rate pumping of cell suspensions finds current applications in bioreactors for short‐term dynamic cell culture and adhesion assays. The aim of this study was to develop an atraumatic pump and hemodynamically adapted test circuit to allow operating periods of at least several hours. A computer‐controlled mini‐pump (MP) was constructed based on non‐occlusive local compression of an elastic tube with commercial bi‐leaflet valves directing the pulsatile flow into a compliant circuit. Cell damage and activation in the system were tested with whole blood in comparison with a set with a conventional peristaltic pump (PP). Activation of circulating THP‐1 monocytes was tested by measuring the expression of CD54 (ICAM‐1). Additionally, monocyte‐endothelial interactions were monitored using a parallel‐plate flow chamber with an artificial stenosis. The system required a priming volume of only 20 mL, delivering a peak pulsatile flow of up to 35 mL/min. After 8 h, blood hemolysis was significantly lower for MP with 11 ± 3 mg/dL compared with PP with 100 ± 16 mg/dL. CD142 (tissue factor) expression on blood monocytes was 50% lower for MP. With MP, THP‐1 cells could be pumped for extended periods (17 h), with no enhanced expression of CD54 permitting the long‐term co‐culture of THP‐1 with endothelial cells and the analysis of flow pattern effects on cell adhesion. A low‐damage assay setup was developed, which allows the pulsatile flow of THP‐1 cells and investigation of their interaction with other cells or surfaces for extended periods of time.     

Cerebrospinal Fluid Aβ42 Levels: When Physiological Become Pathological State

Impaired amyloid beta (Aβ) metabolism is currently considered central to understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Measurements of cerebrospinal fluid Aβ levels remain the most useful marker for diagnostic purposes and to individuate people at risk for AD. Despite recent advances criticized the direct role in neurodegeneration of cortical neurons, Aβ is considered responsible for synaptopathy and impairment of neurotransmission and therefore remains the major trigger of AD and future pharmacological treatment remain Aβ oriented. However, experimental and clinical findings showed that Aβ peptides could have a wider range of action responsible for cell dysfunction and for appearance of clinico‐pathological entities different from AD. Such findings may induce misunderstanding of the real role played by Aβ in AD and therefore strengthen criticism on its centrality and need for CSF measurements. Aim of this review is to discuss the role of CSF Aβ levels in light of experimental, clinical pathologic, and electrophysiological results in AD and other pathological entities to put in a correct frame the value of Aβ changes.     

Treatment of PPI-resistant gastro-oesophageal reflux: A systematic review

Background and study aims

Several studies have demonstrated the superiority of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) in resolving erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, this first line of treatment can fail to control symptoms in around 30% of cases, especially in the presence of non-erosive GORD. In situations where the first line of treatment fails, there is a lack of concordance regarding the best strategy to apply. This study presents a systematic review of the trials which have tested second-line treatments after PPI failure.

Laparoscopic management of intra-abdominal infections: Systematic review of the literature

AIM: To investigate the role of laparoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of intra abdominal infections.METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed including studies where intra abdominal infections were treated laparoscopically.RESULTS: Early laparoscopic approaches have become the standard surgical technique for treating acute cholecystitis. The laparoscopic appendectomy has been demonstrated to be superior to open surgery in acute appendicitis. In the event of diverticulitis, laparoscopic resections have proven to be safe and effective procedures for experienced laparoscopic surgeons and may be performed without adversely affecting morbidity and mortality rates. However laparoscopic resection has not been accepted by the medical community as the primary treatment of choice. In high-risk patients, laparoscopic approach may be used for exploration or peritoneal lavage and drainage. The successful laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcers for experienced surgeons, is demonstrated to be safe and effective. Regarding small bowel perforations, comparative studies contrasting open and laparoscopic surgeries have not yet been conducted. Successful laparoscopic resections addressing iatrogenic colonic perforation have been reported despite a lack of literature-based evidence supporting such procedures. In post-operative infections, laparoscopic approaches may be useful in preventing diagnostic delay and controlling the source.CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy has a good diagnostic accuracy and enables to better identify the causative pathology; laparoscopy may be recommended for the treatment of many intra-abdominal infections.     

Colorectal cancer screening: The surgery rates they are a-changing. A nationwide study on surgical resections in Italy

Background

Growing evidence suggests that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening based on the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) reduces CRC incidence and surgical resection rates.