Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Inflammatory Parameters Including Neopterin in the Setting of Pneumonia,COPD, and Acute Exacerbations

Acute exacerbations and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are severe complications in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we analyzed inflammatory parameters in serum including C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and serum neopterin (NPT) to determine their potential to differentiate between patients with CAP+COPD and with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) without pneumonia. 102 (39 women and 63 men) patients were included in this retrospective study, of whom 48 presented with CAP without underlying COPD, 20 with CAP+COPD and 34 with AECOPD. CRP, PCT, and blood counts were determined by routine automated tests, and NPT concentrations were determined by ELISA. The ratios of CRP to NPT levels were calculated. Upon patient admission, CRP, PCT, and NPT levels were significantly higher in patients with CAP compared to those in AECOPD patients. CRP/NPT ratio was lower in AECOPD compared to CAP (+/?COPD) patients. Positive correlations were found between duration of hospitalization and CRP levels and the CRP/NPT ratio at study entry. Patients who were readmitted within 30 days tended to have higher NPT levels at initial presentation. Patients under ongoing corticosteroid treatment presented with lower inflammatory parameters. The CRP/NPT-ratio was suited well to discriminate between AECOPD and CAP on the basis of COPD, a CRP/NPT cutoff of 0.346 provided a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 79%. The combinatory use of inflammatory patterns might help to differentiate patients with AECOPD from those with CAP on the basis of COPD.     

Splenic metastasis from endometrial carcinoma: report of a case and review of literature

Introduction  

Splenic metastasis from endometrial carcinoma is a rare clinical event, with only 11 cases documented previously in the literature.     

Fluorescent Magnetic Bioprobes by Surface Modification of Magnetite Nanoparticles

Bimodal nanoprobes comprising both magnetic and optical functionalities have been prepared via a sequential two-step process. Firstly, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) with well-defined cubic shape and an average dimension of 80 nm were produced by hydrolysis of iron sulfate and were then surface modified with silica shells by using the sol-gel method. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ particles were then functionalized with the fluorophore, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), mediated by assembled shells of the cationic polyelectrolyte, polyethyleneimine (PEI). The Fe₃O₄ functionalized particles were then preliminary evaluated as fluorescent and magnetic probes by performing studies in which neuroblast cells have been contacted with these nanomaterials.     

Difficulties in diagnosing tuberculosis of the cervix in a post menopausal woman: Case report and literature review

Tuberculosis (TB) of the cervix is a rare disease, especially in developed countries. We presented a patient with primary TB of the cervix with no concurrent immune deficiency or HIV infections. The case clinically mimicked carcinoma of the cervix. Difficulties in diagnosis have been discussed. Given the recent increase in migration patterns including travel from TB endemic areas, an abnormal-looking cervix should be regarded with a degree of suspicion for TB.