Quantitative morphometric evaluation of critical size experimental bone defects by microcomputed tomography

Our aim was to show that microcomputed tomography is a useful tool for acquiring high-resolution three-dimensional tomographic images to assess bone healing, the interface with materials, and the biocompatibility of bone substitutes. Acquired images can be used for non-invasive quantitative morphometric analysis of regenerating bone, leaving the option for conventional histology to be an adjunct used at defined intervals. The temporal characterisation of the mineralisation of bone potentially has a critical role in the understanding of the dynamics of mineralisation of healing bone. This has applications both for degradable and bioactive materials and for pharmaceutical products that act on bone. Formal validation of this promising new technique will be a critical part of continuing studies.     

Nitrite,neopterin levels and tryptophan degradation in allergic conjunctivitis

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate changes in neopterin levels and tryptophan degradation which are induced by Th1-type immune response and nitric oxide metabolism which may be involved in allergic inflammation.

Methods

Serum nitrite, kynurenine, tryptophan and neopterin levels were evaluated in 36 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, along with these values in 41 healthy subjects. All these parameters have been compared with symptom and sign scores.

Results

Tryptophan and kynurenine concentrations were not significantly changed, while serum nitrite concentrations were significantly low, and neopterin levels were significantly increased in patients compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between symptom scores and serum nitrite levels in patients.

Conclusions

This preliminary study demonstrates that serum nitric oxide metabolism might have a role in allergic conjunctivitis. Serum neopterin levels but not tryptophan metabolism could serve as a biomarker in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

     

Successful combined use of Impella Recover 2.5 device and intra-aortic balloon pump support in cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) are important tools that provide hemodynamic support to patients in cardiogenic shock. The Impella Recover 2.5 is a percutaneous VAD that provides temporary circulatory support. We report the case of a patient who required the combined support of both an IABP and the Impella device.     

Carbapenem versus fosfomycin tromethanol in the treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli-related complicated lower urinary tract infection

The aim of this observational prospective study was to compare the effect of fosfomycin tromethanol (FT) and carbapenems (meropenem or imipenem cilastatin) in the treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli-related complicated lower urinary tract infection (CLUTI). Inclusion criteria were: patients who were aged >18 yr with dysuria or problems with frequency or urgency in passing urine; those with >20 leukocytes/mm3 in urine microscopy and culture-proven ESBL-producing carbapenem or FT-sensitive E. coli in the urine (>10? cfu/mm3); no leukocytosis or fever; and who were treated with ft (oral 3 g sachet x 1 every other night, three times) or carbapenems between march 2005 and January 2006 in our outpatient clinic and hospital. A total of 47 CLUTI attacks in 47 patients (27 FT group, 20 carbapenem group) were observed prospectively. Clinical and microbiological success in the carbapenem and ft groups was similar (19/20 vs 21/27 and 16/20 vs 16/27 p>0.05). Drug acquisition costs were significantly lower in the FT group (p<0.001). Although it is not a randomized controlled study, these data show that ft may be a suitable, effective and cheap alternative in the treatment of ESBL-producing E. coli-related CLUTI.     

Urinary tract injuries during advanced gynecologic laparoscopy

Urinary tract injuries are important complications of laparoscopic surgery. The intraoperative diagnosis may be delayed, resulting in severe clinical complications, such as fistulas, in the immediate and late postoperative periods. A review of 776 endoscopic procedures revealed 6 urinary tract injuries and postoperative complications during laparoscopy. We believe that surgical experience, intraoperative diagnosis, immediate repair of the lesion, and close follow-up are the main factors contributing to decreased morbidity associated with these injuries.     

Neopterin as a prognostic biomarker in intensive care unit patients

Purpose

The present study was undertaken to evaluate urinary neopterin in intensive care unit patients.

Materials and Methods

Urinary neopterin levels were determined in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (n = 10), sepsis (n = 18), septic shock (n = 9), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (n = 5). It was tested whether neopterin is a differential parameter among the patient groups. Furthermore, the results were also evaluated by comparing with a healthy control group (n = 30), and the relationship between neopterin and mortality or Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were investigated.

Results

Neopterin levels of the control group and patients were detected as 111 ± 11 and 3850 ± 1081 μmol/mol creatinine, respectively (P < .05). It was significantly increased in the sepsis and septic shock groups compared to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome group (P < .05). Neopterin levels were significantly higher in the patients with mortality and lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores.

Conclusion

This study showed that monitoring of urinary neopterin profile can be used in intensive care units to show the degree and prognosis of the disease.