Direct comparison of regulators of calcification between bone and vessels in humans

Calcification is not only physiologically present in bone but is a main pathophysiological process in vasculature, favouring cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to investigate changes in the expression of calcification regulators during vascular calcification in bone and vasculature. Levels of gene expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), osteopontin (OPN), matrix gla protein (MGP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), SMAD6, and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were determined in bone, aorta, and external iliac artery tissue samples of transplant donors. Histological stages of atherosclerosis (AS) in vessels are defined as "no changes", "intima thickening", or "intima calcification". Patients' bone samples were subgrouped accordingly. We demonstrate that in vessels BSP and OPN expression significantly increased during intima thickening and decreased during intima calcification, whereas the expression of regulators of calcification did not significantly change in bone during intima thickening and intima calcification. At the stage of intima thickening, MGP, OPG, and SMAD6 expression and at stage of intima calcification only MGP expression was lower in bone than in vessel. The expression of BSP and RANKL was regulated in opposite ways in bone and vessels, whereas the expression of MGP, OC, RUNX2, and OPN was regulated in a tissue-specific manner. Our study is the first direct comparison of gene expression changes during AS progression in bone and vessels. Our results indicate that changes in the expression of regulators of calcification in the vessel wall as well as in bone occur early in the calcification process, even prior to deposition of calcium/phosphate precipitation.

Ventral incisional hernia (VIH) repair after liver transplantation (OLT) with a biological mesh: experience in 3 cases

BACKGROUND

Hernias after orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) occur in about 30 % of cases. Predisposing factors in liver cirrhotic patients of cases are ascites, low abdominal muscle mass and cachexia before and immunosuppression after OLT. Standard operative transplant-technique even in small hernias is to implant a mesh. For patients after liver transplantation a porcine non-cross linked biological patch being less immunogenic than synthetic and cross-linked meshes is chosen for ventral incisional hernia repair.

METHODS

3 patients (1 female, 2 male), OLT indications Hepatitis C, exogenous- toxic cirrhosis, median-age 53 (51 - 56) and median time to hernia occurrence after OLT were 10 month (6 - 18 m) are documented. 2 patients suffered from diabetes, 2 from chronic-obstructive lung disease. Maintenance immunosuppressions were Everolimus in 1 patient, Everolimus + MMF in the second and Everolimus +Tacrolimus in the third patient. The biological was chosen for hernia repair due to the preexisting risk- factors. Meshes, 10 × 16 cm were placed, in IPOM (Intra-Peritonel-Onlay-Mesh) -position by relaparatomy. Insolvable, monofile, interrupted sutures were used.

RESULTS

All patients recovered primarily, and were dismissed within 10 d post OP. No wound healing disorders or signs of postoperative infections occurred. All are free of hernia recurrence in a mean observation time of 22 month (10 - 36).

CONCLUSION

The usage of porcine non-cross-linked biological patches seems feasible for incisional hernia repair after OLT. Wound infections in these patients have been observed with other meshes. Further investigation is needed to prove potential superiority of this biological to the other meshes.

Diffusion of macromolecules in a polymer hydrogel: from microscopic to macroscopic scales

To gain insight into the fundamental processes determining the motion of macromolecules in polymeric matrices, the dynamical hindrance of polymeric dextran molecules diffusing as probe through a polyacrylamide hydrogel is systematically explored. Three complementary experimental methods combined with Brownian dynamics simulations are used to study a broad range of dextran molecular weights and salt concentrations. While multi-parameter fluorescence image spectroscopy (MFIS) is applied to investigate the local diffusion of single molecules on a microscopic length scale inside the hydrogel, a macroscopic transmission imaging (MTI) fluorescence technique and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are used to study the collective motion of dextrans on the macroscopic scale. These fundamentally different experimental methods, probing different length scales of the system, yield long-time diffusion coefficients for the dextran molecules which agree quantitatively. The measured diffusion coefficients decay markedly with increasing molecular weight of the dextran and fall onto a master curve. The observed trends of the hindrance factors are consistent with Brownian dynamics simulations. The simulations also allow us to estimate the mean pore size for the herein investigated experimental conditions. In addition to the diffusing molecules, MFIS detects temporarily trapped molecules inside the matrix with diffusion times above 10 ms, which is also confirmed by anisotropy analysis. The fraction of bound molecules depends on the ionic strength of the solution and the charge of the dye. Using fluorescence intensity analysis, also MTI confirms the observation of the interaction of dextrans with the hydrogel. Moreover, pixelwise analysis permits to show significant heterogeneity of the gel on the microscopic scale.

An apparatus for studying electrical breakdown in liquid helium at 0.4 K and testing electrode materials for the neutron electric dipole moment experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source

We have constructed an apparatus to study DC electrical breakdown in liquid helium at temperatures as low as 0.4 K and at pressures between the saturated vapor pressure and ∼600 Torr. The apparatus can house a set of electrodes that are 12 cm in diameter with a gap of 1-2 cm between them, and a potential up to ±50 kV can be applied to each electrode. Initial results demonstrated that it is possible to apply fields exceeding 100 kV/cm in a 1 cm gap between two electropolished stainless steel electrodes 12 cm in diameter for a wide range of pressures at 0.4 K. We also measured the current between two electrodes. Our initial results, I < 1 pA at 45 kV, correspond to a lower bound on the effective volume resistivity of liquid helium of ρV > 5 × 10(18) Ω cm. This lower bound is 5 times larger than the bound previously measured. We report the design, construction, and operational experience of the apparatus, as well as initial results.

Heater-cooler units: contamination of crucial devices in cardiothoracic surgery

BACKGROUND

Several cases of Mycobacterium chimaera infection have recently been reported in cardiosurgical patients. So-called heater-cooler units (HCUs) used in cardiosurgical procedures are suspected to be the reservoir for pathogen growth and dissemination.

AIM

To assess the contamination status of HCUs at our facility.

METHODS

Air sampling for mycobacteria was conducted at different distances from the machines and in the area around the operating table. Air sampling was also conducted for non-fermenters as a surrogate parameter for water-associated pathogens.

FINDINGS

Mycobacterium chimaera was detected in the water tanks of the HCUs. When the devices were operating, M. chimaera was also found in their exhaust air, as well as in the area around the operating table. Non-fermenters were identified at different distances from the running HCU and the area around the operating table. Cultures remained negative when the devices were switched off.

CONCLUSIONS

Exhaust air from HCUs may be a pathway of pathogen transmission to patients undergoing open chest heart surgery. Although, for technical reasons, relocation of HCUs is difficult to achieve, only strict separation of the HCU from the operating room appears to enhance patient safety. Using non-fermenters as a surrogate parameter may be considered a viable option for a timely risk assessment. The design of HCUs should be modified to keep susceptibility to contamination at a minimum.

Clinical and morphometric parameters of frailty for prediction of mortality following hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Although frailty is a known determinant of poor postoperative outcomes, it can be difficult to identify in patients before surgery. The authors sought to develop a preoperative frailty risk model to predict mortality among patients aged 65 years or more.

METHODS

Clinical and morphometric data including total psoas area (TPA), total psoas volume (TPV) and psoas density (Hounsfield unit average calculation, HUAC) were collected for patients undergoing hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery between 2012 and 2014. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify preoperative risk factors associated with 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

The median age of the 518 patients included in the study was 72 (i.q.r. 68-76) years; 55·6 per cent of patients were men, and half of the cohort had multiple co-morbidities (Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) of 4 or more, 55·6 per cent). TPA cut-offs to define sarcopenia were 552·7 mm(2) /m(2) in women and 702·9 mm(2) /m(2) in men; cut-offs for TPV were 18·2 cm(3) /m(2) in women and 26·2 cm(3) /m(2) in men, whereas HUAC cut-offs were 31·1 HU in women and 33·3 HU in men. The overall 1-year mortality rate was 14·1 per cent. In multivariable analysis, risk factors associated with 1-year mortality included CCI of 4 or above (hazard ratio (HR) 2·91, 95 per cent c.i. 1·47 to 5·77; P = 0·002), malignant disease (HR 3·94, 1·17 to 13·30; P = 0·027) and sarcopenia by HUAC (HR 1·85, 1·10 to 3·10; P = 0·021). A weighted 25-point composite score was developed to stratify patients at risk of 1-year postoperative mortality. The 1-year mortality rate was noted to be 2·5 per cent among patients scoring 0-10 (low risk), 17·3 per cent among patients scoring 11-20 (intermediate risk) and 29·2 per cent among those scoring between 21 and 25 (high risk) (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

Clinical and morphometric measures of frailty accurately predict the risk of 1-year mortality following HPB surgery in elderly patients, and can be used to risk-stratify patients appropriately.

Superior Sensitivity of Ex Vivo IFN-γ Release Assays as Compared to Skin Testing in Immunocompromised Patients

Comparative assessment of the tuberculin skin testing (TST) and commercial IFN-γ release-assays (IGRAs) is hampered by the use of different antigens (tuberculin PPD in TST vs. ESAT-6/CFP-10 in IGRAs). Thus, PPD was used as a common stimulus to compare performance of the TST and three IGRAs in 72 controls, 101 hemodialysis patients and 100 renal transplant recipients. Results of the TST were compared with PPD-induced IFN-γ induction in vitro detected by ELISPOT, ELISA or a flow-cytometric FACS assay. Percentages of positive tests were significantly lower in TST (9.2%) compared to ELISA (55.3%), ELISPOT (45.3%) and FACS (44.9%, p < 0.0001). Agreement between TST and IGRAs was highest for controls (κ = 0.19-0.32) and poor in immunocompromised patients (κ = 0 for transplant patients, κ = 0.06-0.13 for hemodialysis patients). Discrepant results were largely TST negative and IGRA positive. Among IGRAs, agreement was highest between ELISPOT and FACS (κ = 0.61). Unlike TST, all IGRAs were associated with variables of mycobacterial exposure. Among IGRAs, the FACS assay was least affected by the level of immunosuppression. In conclusion, both the percentage of positive results and between-test-agreement were higher with IGRAs as compared to TST. This indicates superiority of IGRAs in detecting a PPD-specific immune response which may also apply for immunity toward Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens.

Neutron, fluorescence, and optical imaging: An in situ combination of complementary techniques

An apparatus which enables the simultaneous combination of three complementary imaging techniques, optical imaging, fluorescence imaging, and neutron radiography, is presented. While each individual technique can provide information on certain aspects of the sample and their time evolution, a combination of the three techniques in one setup provides a more complete and consistent data set. The setup can be used in transmission and reflection modes and thus with optically transparent as well as opaque samples. Its capabilities are illustrated with two examples. A polymer hydrogel represents a transparent sample and the diffusion of fluorescent particles into and through this polymer matrix is followed. In reflection mode, the absorption of solvent by a nile red-functionalized mesoporous silica powder and the corresponding change in fluorescent signal are studied.

Evaluation of endourological tools to improve the diagnosis and therapy of ureteral tumors – from model development to clinical application

Adequate diagnosis of upper urinary tract (UUT) tumors is essential for successful local treatment. Organsparing approaches are technically difficult and require consistent further development. Appropriate models for investigating new diagnostic and therapeutic methods are not yet available. This study demonstrates the incorporation of a fresh sample model into five different test levels (I-V) for improving the diagnosis and therapy of ureteral tumors. In these test levels, new diagnostic and ablation techniques are evaluated for feasibility, application safety, efficacy and accuracy. An assessment of their suitability for broad preclinical and clinical application also took economic aspects into account.

Evaluation of Bone Marrow Infiltration in Non-Neuropathic Gaucher Disease Patients with Use of Whole-Body MRI--A Retrospective Data Analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for the assessment of bone marrow infiltration in patients with confirmed Gaucher disease type 1 under long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective data analysis included 38 patients in two subgroups. Group A: 10 females, 9 males, 15-29 years, mean age 22 years and Group B: 11 females, 8 males, 29-77 years, mean age 49 years, all treated with alglucerase or imiglucerase for at least 12.5 years. Whole-body MRI was carried out in all patients using a standard MRI protocol. Two radiologists assessed all MR images retrospectively with the use of three different MRI score systems: The bone marrow burden (BMB) score, the Düsseldorf-Gaucher score (DGS) and the vertebra disc ratio (VDR). As a clinical component, severity score index type 1 (GD-DS3) was determined.

RESULTS

In both groups the MR scores showed low to moderate pathologic levels but no statistically significant difference was found between both groups. The median scores in group A/group B were 7.00/9.00 for the BMB score (p=0.07), 4.00/3.00 for the DGS score (p=0.062) and 1.54/1.62 for the VDR score (p=0.267). The GD-DS3 score was statistically significantly different between both groups (1.6/3.9, p=0.000) and osseous Gaucher disease complications were only found in group B.

CONCLUSION

Bone marrow involvement and typical clinical manifestations are reduced to a minimum, when ERT starts immediately after the confirmed diagnosis of Gaucher disease type 1. The applied MR scores are useful markers to control bone marrow infiltration under enzyme replacement therapy in older patients. Pathologic MR scores in young patients may reflect postponed fat conversion of the juvenile bone marrow. This issue has to be examined in further studies.

KEY POINTS

Whole-body MRI is valuable for the staging of Gaucher disease type 1. Osseous complications are reduced to a minimum in early treated patients. MR score systems have to be adjusted in young Gaucher patients.

Freshly thawed and continuously cultured human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells comparably ameliorate allergic airways inflammation in immunocompetent mice

Recent data suggest that freshly thawed previously frozen mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may not have the same effectiveness or breadth of anti-inflammatory activities as do continuously cultured MSCs. This has significant implications for clinical use, in which many infusion schemes use frozen cells thawed at the bedside for administration. The available data, however, predominantly evaluate in vitro MSC properties, and so far there has been limited in vivo analysis. To further assess this issue, we compared freshly thawed (thawed) versus continuously cultured (fresh) human bone marrow-derived MSC (hMSC) administration in a mouse model of mixed Th2/Th17 allergic airway inflammation induced by Aspergillus hyphal extract (AHE) exposures in immunocompetent C57Bl/6 mice. Control cell populations included fresh versus thawed murine bone marrow-derived MSCs (mMSCs) and human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Systemic administration of both thawed and fresh hMSCs and mMSCs, but not HLFs, at the onset of antigen challenge in previously sensitized mice significantly ameliorated the AHE-provoked increases in airway hyper-reactivity, lung inflammation, and antigen-specific CD4 T-cell Th2 and Th17 phenotype. Notably, there was no difference in effects of fresh versus thawed hMSCs or mMSCs on any outcome measured except for some variability in the effects on the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid composition. These results demonstrated potent xenogeneic effects of human MSCs in an immunocompetent mouse model of allergic airways inflammation and that thawed MSCs are as effective as fresh MSCs. The question of fresh versus thawed MSC effectiveness needs to be investigated carefully and may differ in different in vivo disease-specific models.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study addressed whether freshly thawed mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are as effective in in vivo settings as those that have been continuously cultured. It also provided further data demonstrating that xenogeneic use of MSCs in immunocompetent mice is as effective as murine MSCs. This information provides further support and direction for potential clinical use of MSCs in patients with severe asthma.

Fragility fractures of the sacrum: how to identify and when to treat surgically?

The increasing prevalence of fragility fractures of the sacrum (FFS) occurring predominantly in osteoporotic individuals poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The clinical presentation varies from longstanding low back pain without the patient remembering a traumatic event to immobilized patients after suffering a low-energy trauma. FFS are often combined with a fracture of the anterior pelvic ring; hence they are classified as a part of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). If not displaced, the patients are treated with weight bearing as tolerated and analgesics; however, we advocate to treat displaced fractures surgically according to the fracture personality and the patient’s comorbidities. Surgical options include minimal invasive sacro-iliac screws, trans-sacral bar osteosynthesis, open reduction and internal fixation, or spinopelvic stabilization. In the light of the high complication rate associated with immobilized patients, an operative approach often is indicated to accelerate the patient’s mobility.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in high risk patients

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic appendectomy is widely used for the treatment of complicated appendicitis. Its use in patients with high operative risk is still on debate. The aim of the presented study was to investigate the benefits of laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with high peri- and postoperative risk factors.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent appendectomy in our center between 2006 and 2013. Patients were classified according to their preoperative risk (classification of the American Society of Anesthesia--ASA score). Only patients with ASA 3 and 4 were included and were divided into two groups--open appendectomy (OA group) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA group).

RESULTS

The operation time was slightly longer in the LA group (p = 0.05), but hospital stay was shorter (p = 0.05). Complications graded according to the Clavien Dindo classification were slightly more frequent in patients after LA, whereas severe complications occurred more frequently in patients after OA (p = 0.01). The postoperative WBC decreased steadily and significantly in patients after OA, whereas the decrease in patients after LA was delayed (p = 0.03). CRP slightly increased after OA and decreased thereafter, whereas it steadily decreased after LA (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic appendectomy can be recommended for patients with complicated appendicitis even with higher risk categories.

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in an eight-year-old immunocompetent child: how to treat?

Here we report on a case of primary cryptococcal skin infection in an immunocompetent 8-year-old boy. The infection first manifested itself as a subcutaneous abscess around the proximal joint of his right thumb after a minor injury from contact with a thorny shrub. After surgical incision and drainage was performed, Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans was the only pathogen cultured from the lesion. An agglutination test for the capsular antigen in serum displayed negative results and the immunological work-up revealed no underlying immunodeficiency. A "watch and wait" strategy - one without systemic antifungal treatment - was adopted and this resulted in uneventful healing. In summary, primary cryptococcal skin infections in immunocompetent hosts may be managed successfully by surgical treatment in combination with careful clinical follow-up. This approach may help avoid unnecessary antimicrobial treatments.

Fragility fractures of the pelvis: should they be fixed?

Due to the aging population, there is an increasing number of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). They are the result of low energy trauma. The bone breaks but the ligaments remain intact. Immobilizing pain at the pubic region or at the sacrum is the main symptom. Conventional radiographs reveal pubic rami fractures, but lesions of the dorsal pelvis are hardly visible and easily overlooked. CT of the pelvis with multiplanar reconstructions show the real extension of the lesion. Most patients have a history of osteoporosis or other fragility fractures. The new classification distinguishes between four categories of different and increasing instability. FFP Type I are anterior lesions only, FFP Type II are non-displaced posterior lesions, FFP Type III are displaced unilateral posterior lesions and FFP Type IV are displaced bilateral posterior lesions. Subgroups discriminate between the localization of the dorsal instability. FFP Type I lesions are treated non-operatively. FFP Type II lesions are fixed in a percutaneous procedure when a trial of conservative treatment was not successful. FFP Type III lesions are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). FFP Type IV lesions are treated with bilateral ORIF or with a bridging osteosynthesis. Iliosacral screw osteosynthesis is widely used, but has an elevated risk of screw loosening due to diminished bine mineral density. Transsacral bar osteosynthesis enable interfragmentary compression and does not have this danger of loosening. Bridging plate osteosynthesis is used as an additional fixation to iliosacral screw osteosynthesis. Lumbopelvic fixation is restricted to highly unstable lumbopelvic dissociations. More studies are needed to find the optimal treatment for each type of instability. Key words: pelvis, fragility fracture, diagnosis, classification, treatment.

Oberflächenwellen im Elektronenplasma

The linearized BOLTMANN–VLASOV-equation is solved for a semi-infinite degenerate plasma and a plasma within a layer. It is shown, that the surface oscillations first discussed by RITCHIE have a linear dependence on the wave vector and are damped.

Long-term quality of life of liver transplant recipients beyond 60 years of age

Due to ameliorated surgery as well as better immunosuppression, the recipient age after liver transplantation has been extended over the past years. This study aimed to investigate the health related quality of life after liver transplantation in recipients beyond 60 years of age. The SF-36 was used to evaluate the recipients' health-related quality of life as standardized tool. It comprises 36 items that are attributed to 8 subscales attributed to 2 components: the physical component score and the mental component score. Differences in the health-related quality of life between the included aged recipients and age-matched general population as well as among female and male recipients. Aged recipients showed significantly lower scores in physical functioning (29 vs. 76, p = 0.001), role physical (42 vs. 73, p = 0.003), bodily pain (34 vs. 71, p = 0.003), general health (28 vs. 59, p = 0.001), vitality (25 vs. 61, p = 0.001), social functioning (36 vs. 87, p =0.001), role emotional (46 vs. 89, p = 0.001) as well as the physical component score (28 vs. 76, p = 0.001). Aged female recipients showed lower results as compared to males in social functioning, physical functioning, role physical, and social functioning (p = 0.03 respectively) but comparable results in the remaining. Quality of life seems to be an issue among aged recipients and should be assessed on a regular basis.

Long-term quality of life of liver transplant recipients beyond 60 years of age

Due to ameliorated surgery as well as better immunosuppression, the recipient age after liver transplantation has been extended over the past years. This study aimed to investigate the health related quality of life after liver transplantation in recipients beyond 60 years of age. The SF-36 was used to evaluate the recipients' health-related quality of life as standardized tool. It comprises 36 items that are attributed to 8 subscales attributed to 2 components: the physical component score and the mental component score. Differences in the health-related quality of life between the included aged recipients and age-matched general population as well as among female and male recipients. Aged recipients showed significantly lower scores in physical functioning (29 vs. 76, p = 0.001), role physical (42 vs. 73, p = 0.003), bodily pain (34 vs. 71, p = 0.003), general health (28 vs. 59, p = 0.001), vitality (25 vs. 61, p = 0.001), social functioning (36 vs. 87, p =0.001), role emotional (46 vs. 89, p = 0.001) as well as the physical component score (28 vs. 76, p = 0.001). Aged female recipients showed lower results as compared to males in social functioning, physical functioning, role physical, and social functioning (p = 0.03 respectively) but comparable results in the remaining. Quality of life seems to be an issue among aged recipients and should be assessed on a regular basis.

Therapy and prophylaxis of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients: a guideline by the German and Austrian AIDS societies (DAIG/ÖAG) (AWMF 055/066)

INTRODUCTION

There was a growing need for practical guidelines for the most common OIs in Germany and Austria under consideration of the local epidemiological conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The German and Austrian AIDS societies developed these guidelines between March 2010 and November 2011. A structured Medline research was performed for 12 diseases, namely Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, cerebral toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus manifestations, candidiasis, herpes simplex virus infections, varizella zoster virus infections, progressive multifocal leucencephalopathy, cryptosporidiosis, cryptococcosis, nontuberculosis mycobacteria infections and tuberculosis. Due to the lack of evidence by randomized controlled trials, part of the guidelines reflects expert opinions. The German version was accepted by the German and Austrian AIDS Societies and was previously published by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften (AWMF; German Association of the Scientific Medical Societies).

CONCLUSION

The review presented here is a translation of a short version of the German-Austrian Guidelines of opportunistic infections in HIV patients. These guidelines are well-accepted in a clinical setting in both Germany and Austria. They lead to a similar treatment of a heterogeneous group of patients in these countries.

Safety and efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII for refractory hemorrhage in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a single center review

Background:

Medically refractory hemorrhage in patients on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support can have catastrophic complications. Recombinant-Activated Factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®) may provide lifesaving hemostasis; however, there are reports of catastrophic thrombosis related to its administration.

Objective:

This review attempts to add safety and efficacy data to existing literature regarding the use of rFVIIa for refractory hemorrhage in pediatric patients on ECMO support.

Design/Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed for all pediatric patients on ECMO who received rFVIIa for refractory hemorrhage from 2004 to 2009. Data was extracted for each refractory bleeding event, including patient blood loss and transfused blood products in the 6 hours before the first dose, between rFVIIa doses and in the 6 hours after the final dose. For purposes of data collection, a hemorrhagic event was defined as new onset hemorrhage or a hemorrhage occurring at least 12 hours after the most recent dose of rFVIIa.

Results:

In total, seven patients aged 1 month to 15 years received rFVIIa for 14 different hemorrhagic events. There was no significant difference in blood loss or blood product transfusion associated with rFVIIa administration. There was one patient-related and one ECMO-related complication temporally associated with rFVIIa administration: decreased ECMO circuit oxygenator efficiency and the development of an intra-gastric clot requiring surgical evacuation.

Conclusion:

These data suggest limited efficacy for rFVIIa use for refractory hemorrhage in pediatric patients on ECMO support. There were two non-catastrophic complications temporally associated with its administration.

Manifestation of an abdominal immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with a nontuberculous mycobacterial infection - a case report

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an inflammatory reaction in HIV-infected patients after initiation of antiretroviral therapy. It results from restored immunity to specific infectious or non-infectious antigens. We describe the case of a 47-year-old female patient who presented with an unspecific painful pressure in the abdomen and weight loss that was diagnosed as intra-abdominal (unmasking) IRIS due to nontuberculous mycobacterial infection (Mycobacterium avium complex). Antiretroviral therapy had been initiated six months earlier when pneumocystis pneumonia led to the diagnosis of HIV infection with a viral load of 123 000 copies/ml and a CD 4 cell count of 6/µl. Although IRIS is a known complication after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients this case with a rare site of manifestation and symptoms that are common in all day gastroenterological clinic highlights a differential diagnosis that requires a high index of suspicion and the need for the careful use of diagnostic tools.

Associations of homoarginine with bone metabolism and density, muscle strength and mortality: cross-sectional and prospective data from 506 female nursing home patients

In female nursing home patients, homoarginine was associated with lower bone turnover, higher bone density, lower mortality and, by trend, with muscle strength.

INTRODUCTION

Homoarginine, a cationic amino acid, may be relevant for muscusloskeletal health because it inhibits alkaline phosphatases (AP) and is involved in nitric oxide and energy metabolism. We aimed to evaluate whether homoarginine serum concentrations are associated with bone density and metabolism, muscle strength, fractures and mortality.

METHODS

We examined a cohort of female nursing home patients that underwent quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS) measurements and assessments of knee extensor strength. Measurements of serum homoarginine, C-terminal telopeptide cross-links (β-CTxs) and osteocalcin were also performed at baseline. Thereafter, patients were followed-up with respect to fractures and mortality.

RESULTS

Serum homoarginine concentrations were determined in 506 female study participants (mean age: 83.9 ± 6.0 years). Homoarginine was inversely correlated with β-CTxs (r = -0.26; p < 0.001) and osteocalcin (r = -0.21; p < 0.001), and these associations remained significant in multiple regression analyses. Multivariate regression analyses showed that homoarginine is significantly associated with calcaneus stiffness (beta coefficient = 0.11; p = 0.020) and by trend with knee extensor strength (beta coefficient = 0.09; p = 0.065). During a mean follow-up time of 27 ± 8 months, we recorded 119 deaths (23.5%) and 63 fractures (12.5%). In multivariate analyses, homoarginine was associated with significantly reduced risk of mortality and the combined endpoint of fractures and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Whether homoarginine metabolism is critically involved into the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal diseases and fatal events warrants further studies.

TBNET - Collaborative research on tuberculosis in Europe

Networking is a key feature of scientific success. The Tuberculosis Network European Trialsgroup (TBNET) was founded in 2006 as a non-profit, non-governmental peer-initiated scientific organization to collaboratively address research priorities in the area of tuberculosis in Europe. Today, TBNET is the largest tuberculosis research organization in Europe with nearly 500 members from 22 EU countries and 49 countries worldwide (www.tb-net.org). Apart from small multicenter basic research studies, a particular strength of TBNET is the performance of large collaborative projects, pan-European multicenter studies and database projects. In recent years, research from TBNET has substantially contributed to the understanding of the management, risk and prognosis of patients with multidrug (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis and led to a better understanding of the clinical value of novel tests for the identification of adults and children with tuberculosis and latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In 2009, two branches of TBNET were founded to specifically address tuberculosis in the pediatric population (ptbnet) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial diseases (NTM-NET). In addition to the research activities, TBNET is developing expert consensus documents for clinical management and provides training and capacity building especially for members from Eastern European countries, where tuberculosis is still a prevalent health problem.

In vitro clearance of intravenous acetaminophen in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life support system used as a bridge to transplantation in critically ill patients who suffer from acute respiratory or cardiac failure with resultant hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia. This is not amendable to conventional support intervention. Previous studies have shown significant drug losses in the components of an ECMO circuit, leading to decreased plasma drug levels. An in vitro study was conducted to determine: (1) changes in intravenous acetaminophen levels over time and (2) changes in concentration observed between different sites of the ECMO circuit. A single bolus dose of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen was injected into a standard blood-primed ECMO circuit. Plasma drug concentrations in the circuit were then measured at specific time points at three different locations to determine concentrations of the drug at time 0, 15, 30, 60, 240 and 360 minutes. The three samples were drawn pre- and post-membrane oxygenator and the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. A second bolus dose was administered 24 hours after the first in order to compare "new" and "old" circuits. This entire process was repeated a total of three times. The results show that acetaminophen concentrations do not change significantly over time, with consistent levels seen in both new and old circuits (N=9). Average old circuit concentrations were approximately two times greater than the average new circuit concentrations after the circuit was re-dosed at 24 hours. Drug sequestration in the circuit was not significant in any of the three sites measured. It appears that, while acetaminophen levels remain relatively constant over a six hour period, dosing adjustments may be required for use in a circuit beyond the initial 24 hour period, depending on physiologic clearance of the drug. Assuming a six-hour dosing interval, levels should remain constant.

Surgical management of osteoporotic pelvic fractures: a new challenge

The number and variety of osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis are rapidly growing around the world. Such fractures are the result of low-impact trauma. The patients have no signs of hemodynamic instability and do not require urgent stabilization. The clinical picture is dominated by immobilizing pain in the pelvic region. Fractures may be located in both the ventral and the dorsal pelvic ring. The current well-established classification of pelvic ring lesions in younger adults does not fully reflect the criteria for osteoporotic and insufficiency fractures of the pelvic ring. Most osteoporotic fractures are minimally displaced and do not require surgical therapy. However, in some patients, an insidious progress of bone damage leads to complex displacement and instability. Therefore, vertical sacral ala fractures, fracture dislocations of the sacroiliac joint, and spinopelvic dissociations are best treated with operative stabilization. Angular stable bridge plating, the insertion of a transsacral positioning bar, and iliolumbar fixation are operative techniques that have been adapted to the low bone mineral density of the pelvic ring and the high forces acting on it.

IgA antibody production by intrarectal immunization of mice using recombinant major capsid protein of hamster polyomavirus

Viral proteins are highly antigenic and known as potent stimulators of adaptive immune responses. This mechanism is often used for biotechnological applications in monoclonal antibody production resulting in high-affinity IgG antibodies in most cases. The aim of this study was to increase antigen-specific IgA antibody levels in mice in order to generate monoclonal IgA antibodies by hybridoma technology. For this purpose, hamster polyomavirus (HaPyV) major capsid protein VP1 was used to immunize mice by different routes in order to induce VP1-specific IgA titers. Recombinant HaPyV-VP1 was generated in Escherichia coli and administered intraperitoneally, orally, and intrarectally. VP1-specific antibodies were determined by ELISA in sera and organ culture supernatants. We found a significant increase of HaPyV-VP1-specific IgAs in spleen organ cultures after rectal immunization of mice but not in cultures of mesenteric lymph nodes, colon, or Peyer's patches. In contrast, oral and intraperitoneal immunization did not provide an appropriate specific IgA induction at all. These results show that specific IgA antibodies can be induced by intrarectal immunization in the spleen. The generation of monoclonal IgA antibodies with well-defined properties is a useful tool for the investigation of mucosal immune responses or autoimmune diseases and extends the spectrum of antibodies with specific effector functions.

[Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors: pleomorphic and often ignored]

Although generally considered as rare, incidence of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs) is increasing. The general practitioner has thus to be familiar with the vast array of clinical presentations and the growing family of diagnostic tools that can be used. Symptoms can be related to their hormonal production, their local extent or a bleeding complication. The prognosis depends on the grade of tumor, its local extent at diagnosis and its localization. The diagnosis relies on radiologic, endoscopic and nuclear medicine strategies. In case of typical symptoms, a hormonal secretion should be sought. Treatment options are extensive and should be discussed in an interdisciplinary manner.